For the correct functioning of the organism, we naturally secrete a series of substances that help to promote it; others, on the other hand, that we extract from food, and others that we secrete and extreme.

Tyramine is a substance that is part of the latter; it is a mono-aminic amino acid (neurotransmitter) that helps regulate blood pressure. It is also found in foods such as cheese, nuts and herring.

Tyramine: characteristics of this neurotransmitter

Tyramine is a vasoactive amino acid . This means that it widens (vasodilation) or narrows (vasoconstriction) the blood vessels. Specifically, it is a monoamine, a type of neurotransmitter.

All monoamines are derived from aromatic amino acids such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, and thyroid hormones through the action of the enzymes l-amino aromatic acid decarboxylase. Tyramine is found in some foods such as aged cheese, nuts, chicken liver , and herring (belonging to the sardine family).

As for its effects, tyramine stimulates the release of the catecholamines adrenaline and noradrenaline. On the other hand, it helps to regulate blood pressure, and, besides being found in certain foods, it is produced naturally in the body.

Tyramine causes headaches in some people , and is a product obtained by converting tyrosine (an amino acid present in many proteins) into epinephrine (an active hormone produced internally in the adrenal gland).

Pharmacology

At the drug level, it is important to know that antidepressant medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) block monoamine oxidase, which is an enzyme that breaks down excess tyramine in the body .

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Blocking this enzyme helps relieve the symptoms of depression. This is why MAOIs are indicated for this type of mood disorder (depression), and especially indicated for atypical depressions.

Foods with this substance

Tyramine is naturally found in small amounts in certain protein-containing foods . As these foods age, tyramine levels increase. Tyramine levels may vary among different foods because of different processing, storage, and preparation methods. Also, even when cooked, the levels of tyramine in foods cannot be reduced.

Some examples of foods with a high level of tyramine are

  • Strong or cured cheeses, such as cured cheddar, Swiss and Parmesan
  • Cured meats , which are meats treated with salt and nitrate or nitrite.
  • Smoked or processed meats, such as hot dogs, bologna, bacon, corned beef or smoked fish
  • Canned or fermented foods , such as sauerkraut, kimchi, caviar, tofu or pickles.
  • Sauces, such as soy sauce, shrimp sauce, fish sauce, miso and teriyaki sauce
  • Soya and soya products.
  • Peas, beans and their pods.
  • Dried or overripe fruits, such as raisins or prunes , overripe bananas or avocados
  • Alcoholic beverages, such as beer, especially draught or homemade, red wine, sherry and liquor

Effects

As we have seen, foods containing tyramine can produce headache (migraine), as this substance triggers a chain reaction that results in the most common causes of headache, such as cerebral vasoconstriction, followed by dilation of blood vessels in the head.

On the other hand, tyramine may also cause, in particularly sensitive people, arrhythmias and high blood pressure .

Relationship to MAOIs

If you are following a pharmacological treatment with MAOI-type antidepressants, their combination with foods containing high levels of tyramine, such as those mentioned above, should be avoided.

This is because if you take an MAOI and eat foods high in tyramine, it can quickly reach dangerous levels, causing a serious increase in blood pressure , which can lead to hypertensive crises or heart attacks.

Hypertensive crises

In the event of a rapid and severe increase in blood pressure (with the risk of a hypertensive crisis), it is advisable to know the symptoms that may appear (emergency signs), which would include the following

  • Severe headache .
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Sweating and severe anxiety .
  • Nosebleed.
  • Rapid heartbeat.
  • Chest pain .
  • Changes in the view.
  • Lack of air.
  • Confusion.

Bibliographic references:

  • Hall-Flavin, D. (2019). Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and feeding: is it necessary to restrict tyramine? Mayo Clinic.

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  • National Headache Foundation. (2007). Tyramine.
  • Stahl, S.M. (2002). Essential Psychopharmacology. Neuroscientific bases and clinical applications. Barcelona: Ariel.