Tyramine is an amino acid that naturally occurs in the body. It is also found in many foods. This amino acid helps regulate blood pressure, and too much can be dangerous for individuals with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications. If you need to avoid or limit foods containing tyramine, consult with a health care professional or dietitian.
Dairy Products
Many cheeses contain tyramine, particularly aged cheeses, like Swiss, Stilton, cheddar and blue. Tyramine is formed during the aging process from the breakdown of proteins in the cheeses. Camembert and gorgonzola cheeses also contain tyramine, says Kathrynne Holden, a registered dietitian. Aged cheese spreads are also high in tyramine, and the levels of tyramine increase with age. Amounts of tyramine can range from 1.6 g in 1 oz. of gorgonzola cheese to 61 g in 1 oz. of Stilton, says Holden. Nonpasteurized cheeses, milk and other dairy products may also contain tyramine.
Meats
Meats high in tyramine include those that are aged, pickled, cured, dried or fermented, says Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Processed meats like sausage, bacon, pepperoni, salami, bologna, ham and hot dogs contain tyramine. Holden states that 1 oz. of salami can contain as little as 1.2 g of tyramine, whereas aged chicken livers can have 60 mg of tyramine in a 1 oz. serving. Pickled herring can have up to 86 mg of tyramine. Products made from soybeans, like miso, bean curd and tofu, as well as many protein supplements, contain tyramine as well.
Condiments and Fats
Condiments can also contain tyramine. Fish sauce, like that found in Vietnamese or Thai restaurants, can have up to 3.7 mg of tyramine in 1 tsp., 1 tsp. of soy sauce can have up to 4.7 mg, and yeast extract like Vegemite can contain up to 34 mg of tyramine in 1 tsp., says Holden. Salad dressings containing aged cheeses, like blue-cheese dressing, and sauces or gravies with meat extracts or meats that are not fresh can also contain tyramine, although exact amounts are unknown.
Fruits and Vegetables
Some fruits and vegetables contain tyramine. Fermented, spoiled and moldy fruits, avocado or guacamole, pickles, olives and sauerkraut have tyramine in them, says The Ohio State University Medical Center.
Beverages
Northwestern Memorial Hospital states that tyramine content can vary among alcoholic drinks. Tap or unpasteurized beer, red and white wine, nonalcoholic beer, ale and mixed drinks can contain tyramine. Other drinks that may have tyramine include soda, tea and coffee that contains caffeine and hot chocolate, says The Ohio State University Medical Center.
References
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital: Low-Tyramine Diet
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Meal Ideas and Menus: Avoiding High-Tyramine Foods Made Easy
- Cleveland Clinic: Headaches and Food
- The Ohio State University Medical Center: Low-Tyramine Diet
- MayoClinic.com: MAOIs and Diet: Is It Necessary to Restrict Tyramine?
