Sulfur dioxide

Category: AdditivesOther names: sulphur dioxide, E220

Sulfur dioxide is high in Histamine. If you're sensitive to any of these, check it against your profile before eating.

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To avoid
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Moderate
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Watch

Intolerances

Intolerance levels are based on our documented scientific sources. See sources

React to Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)? Check these too

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Frequently asked questions

Which intolerances does sulfur dioxide affect?

sulfur dioxide is notable for Histamine.

Does sulfur dioxide contain Histamine?

Yes — sulfur dioxide is high in Histamine. Sulfites (E220-228) are the best-evidenced additive on this list. They do not contain histamine: they inhibit DAO, the enzyme that clears it, so they lower your headroom for everything else in the meal. This is also why wine is worse than its histamine content alone suggests — the sulfites and the alcohol both block the same clearance. Sources: Maintz & Novak, Am J Clin Nutr 2007 (histamine intolerance review); Comas-Basté et al., Biomolecules 2020; EFSA re-evaluation of sulfites, 2016. Note EU law already requires 'contains sulphites' above 10 mg/kg, so the label will tell you. Amounts vary by brand and recipe, so always check the label of the exact product.