Often recognized as an essential amino acid, histidine plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. It serves as a precursor to histamine, a neurotransmitter involved in immune response, digestion, and sleep-wake cycles. In addition, histidine is a key component in the synthesis of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood.
Furthermore, histidine is known for its role in maintaining the pH balance within the body. As a buffering agent, histidine helps regulate the acid-base equilibrium in the tissues and blood, ensuring proper physiological functioning. Additionally, histidine is involved in the production of carnosine, a dipeptide with antioxidant properties that helps protect cells from oxidative damage.