This is a list of foods containing tyramine, which can induce hypertensive crises in individuals who take monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Tyramine is also believed to trigger migraines in certain sensitive individuals. Tyramine is generally produced by decarboxylation of the amino acid tyrosine during fermentation of food products.

This list is for informational purposes only; it is neither all-inclusive nor does it go into any particular depth. If you plan to avoid tyramine in your diet, you are urged to seek professional guidance.

Alcoholic Beverages

All beer and ale should be avoided, particularly imported beers. Red wine and white wine are acceptable as long as no more the 120ml is ingested. Chianti and vermouth, however, should be avoided.

Cheeses

Most cheeses should be avoided. While there are some, such as cream cheese and cottage cheese, that have little to no notable amounts of tyramine, most cheeses have high concentrations of tyramine. It is therefore wise for people that are sensitive to tyramine to avoid all cheeses, if at all possible.

Fruit

Avocados contain tyramine, especially overripe fruit. Avocados may be eaten in moderate quantities, provided that the fruit is not overripe. Ripe bananas contain notable levels of tyramine, especially banana peels, and must thus be avoided.

All other fruits should be eaten with caution, since overripe and dried fruit will contain more tyramine. Common fruits that may contain high levels of tyramine include: eggplant, figs, grapes, oranges, pineapples, plums, prunes and raisins.

Processed Foods

Many processed foods should be avoided, due to high tyramine levels. A few processed foods that contain high amounts of tyramine include, but are not limited to: vegemite, sauerkraut, and shrimp paste.

Meat and Fish

Fresh liver has no significant levels of tyramine, but old liver contains high amounts. Like liver, fresh meat and fish are safe, and old meat is risky. Caution is recommended in restaurants or any other uncertain source of meat. Processed meats, cured or pickled meats, and meat byproducts contain large amounts of tyramine.

Soy

All soy products contain high levels of tyramine. Aside from soybeans themselves, commonly consumed soy products include: soy sauce, tofu, miso, and teriyaki sauce.

Nuts and Chocolate

Chocolate is safe, so long as it is consumed in moderate quantities.

There is evidence that large quantities of nuts, peanuts, coconuts, and brazil nuts may trigger hypertensive reactions and headaches.

Migraine | Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

External links

• Tyramine Free Diet
• ^*