Information From Your Health Care Provider

TYRAMINE-RESTRICTED DIET

PURPOSE

This diet is designed for individuals taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) to promote optimum health through good nutrition. It is to be used for those individuals requiring dietary modification of tyramine due to MAOI medications.

DESCRIPTION

Tyramine is a substance found normally in foods and is broken down in the body by oxidase. However, individuals taking MAOIs do not have adequate amounts of oxidase to completely breakdown tyramine. Tyramine builds up in the blood leading to constriction of blood vessels, increasing blood pressure. Tyramine is naturally found in foods, especially foods high in protein that have been fermented, pickled, or bacterially contaminated. Tyramine intake of 5 mg or less is prescribed; a diet with even 6 mg of tyramine can raise blood pressure and 25 mg can be life-threatening. Foods from all basic food groups are included with the addition of other foods to meet energy needs and provide essential nutrients.

BASIC INFORMATION

The tyramine content of foods can vary greatly depending upon contamination, storage conditions, and ripeness. Reaction to tyramine in individuals taking MAOIs can differ depending upon the amount of time between eating tyramine-containing foods and MAOI dose, what other foods are eaten with tyramine-containing foods, and individual characteristics such as age, weight, etc.

Foods to Avoid on Tyramine-Restricted Diets:

All aged and mature cheeses or cheese spreads, including foods made with these cheeses such as casseroles, salad dressings, and certain breads.
Any outdated or unpasteurized dairy products.
Dry fermented sausages such as summer sausage, pepperoni, salami, or pastrami.
Smoked or pickled fish.
Non-fresh meat or poultry, such as jerky.
Leftover foods containing meat or poultry.
Tofu and soy products (e.g., soy sauce).
Overripe, spoiled, fermented fruits or vegetables.
Sauerkraut.
Fava or broad beans.
Soups containing meat extracts or cheese.
Gravies containing meat extracts or non-fresh meats.
Tap beer or nonalcoholic beer.
Yeast extracts.
Liquid or powdered protein supplements.

Note: Refrigerated perishable items should be eaten within 48 hours of purchasing. Any food that may be spoiled or in storage for an extended period of time should not be eaten.

NUTRITIONAL ADEQUACY

This diet should be adequate in all nutrients.

SAMPLE MENU

Suggested Meal Plan	Suggested Foods and Beverages
BREAKFAST Fruit Juice Cereal Meat/Meat Substitute Bread with Margarine Milk Beverage	Orange Juice (1/2 cup) Oatmeal (1/2 cup) Soft-Cooked Egg (1) Toast with Butter or Margarine* (1 slice) Milk*/Decaffeinated Coffee or Tea (1 cup)
DINNER—NOON OR EVENING MEAL Meat/Meat Substitute Potato/Potato Substitute Vegetable and/or Salad Bread with Margarine Dessert Beverage	Broiled Beef Patty Mashed Potatoes Steamed Spinach Whole Wheat Bread with Margarine* Gelatin Decaffeinated Coffee or Tea
SUPPER—EVENING OR NOON MEAL Soup or Juice Meat/Meat Substitute Vegetable and/or Salad Bread with Margarine Dessert Milk/Beverage	Vegetable Consommé Roast Chicken Peas and Coleslaw Biscuit with Margarine* Fresh Apple Milk*/Decaffeinated Coffee or Tea

*To reduce the amount of fat in your diet, omit margarine or butter and use 1% or fat-free milk.

Nutrient Analysis