Vodka Martini Histamine Information

Consumption of a Vodka Martini can have a dual impact on histamine levels in the body. Its primary components are Vodka and Vermouth with olives or lemon peel as garnish. Vodka, typically distilled from fermented grains or potatoes, contains alcohol which does not have a high histamine content. However, per "​Food Allergy and Food Intolerance" (Jonathan Brostoff, Stephen Challacombe, 2002), it may delay the breakdown of histamine in the body and potentially increase histamine levels indirectly. Vermouth is a fortified wine flavored with various botanicals. Wines, especially red ones, are known to have high histamine content. However, it depends on the proportion of red wine in the vermouth used. If vermouth made with white wine is used in the martini, histamine content could be low ("Histamine in food: is fermented wine histamine-free?" Anne C. Läuchli, 2015). The garnishes, olives or a lemon peel, have not been researched well enough to publish any informations on their impact on histamine levels, our team is working hard on this. Data will be available soon. Given the mix of these ingredients, a Vodka Martini could potentially increase histamine levels depending on individual tolerance levels and the specific constituents of the beverage (e.g., type and proportion of Vermouth). While some alcohol could have a histamine-lowering effect, it's balanced out by the potential histamine liberating factors and breakdown-delaying nature of alcohol itself. In conclusion, consumption of Vodka Martinis could potentially impact histamine levels and could be of consideration to those with histamine sensitivities. However, a concrete impact level varies amongst individuals, and the type and proportion of vermouth used in making it. Further individual research is recommended.