tyramine
noun
ty·ra·mine
ˈtī-rə-ˌmēn 
: a phenolic amine C8H11NO found in various foods and beverages (such as cheese and red wine) that has a sympathomimetic action and is derived from tyrosine
Examples of tyramine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
They’re packed with tyramine and histamines, which interfere with melatonin production—your body’s natural sleep hormone.
—
Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
High levels of tyramine can cause high blood pressure and migraines.40 Drugs such as MAOIs prevent the breakdown of tyramine and, therefore, cause a build-up of tyramine.
—Trang Tran, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2024
Then there are biogenic amines, another fermentation byproduct that contains things like histamine and tyramine, both of which have been linked to headaches.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 20 Nov. 2023
For some people, foods high in substances like tyramine, nitrates, sulfites, and artificial ingredients can trigger head pain.
—Sarah Garone, Health, 16 Apr. 2023
Food preservatives such as MSG, dyes (red dye in particular) and nitrates seem to cause migraines, as well as tyramine, which is present in parmesan and other aged cheeses.
—Risa Kerslake, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2022
Aged cheese/cured meats and antidepressants: These foods (plus avocados, chocolate, beer and wine) all contain the amino acid tyramine, which helps regulate blood pressure.
—Richard A. Marini, San Antonio Express-News, 6 Mar. 2018
Yep, believe it or not, an estimated 25% of all migraine headaches are caused by tyramine, a substance in protein.
—Alexis Reliford, Good Housekeeping, 27 Sep. 2017
So if looking for a food fix for migraines, consider eliminating these high-tyramine cheeses first: English Stilton, blue cheese, sharp cheddar, Danish blue, mozzarella, Swiss Gruyere, feta, Parmesan and Gorgonzola.
—Alexis Reliford, Good Housekeeping, 27 Sep. 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
High levels of tyramine can cause high blood pressure and migraines.40 Drugs such as MAOIs prevent the breakdown of tyramine and, therefore, cause a build-up of tyramine.
—Trang Tran, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2024
Then there are biogenic amines, another fermentation byproduct that contains things like histamine and tyramine, both of which have been linked to headaches.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 20 Nov. 2023
For some people, foods high in substances like tyramine, nitrates, sulfites, and artificial ingredients can trigger head pain.
—Sarah Garone, Health, 16 Apr. 2023
Food preservatives such as MSG, dyes (red dye in particular) and nitrates seem to cause migraines, as well as tyramine, which is present in parmesan and other aged cheeses.
—Risa Kerslake, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2022
Aged cheese/cured meats and antidepressants: These foods (plus avocados, chocolate, beer and wine) all contain the amino acid tyramine, which helps regulate blood pressure.
—Richard A. Marini, San Antonio Express-News, 6 Mar. 2018
Yep, believe it or not, an estimated 25% of all migraine headaches are caused by tyramine, a substance in protein.
—Alexis Reliford, Good Housekeeping, 27 Sep. 2017
So if looking for a food fix for migraines, consider eliminating these high-tyramine cheeses first: English Stilton, blue cheese, sharp cheddar, Danish blue, mozzarella, Swiss Gruyere, feta, Parmesan and Gorgonzola.
—Alexis Reliford, Good Housekeeping, 27 Sep. 2017
Dictionary Entries Near tyramine
Cite this Entry
“Tyramine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tyramine. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
tyramine
noun
ty·ra·mine
ˈtī-rə-ˌmēn
: a phenolic amine C8H11NO that is found in various foods and beverages (as cheese and red wine), has a sympathomimetic action, and is derived from tyrosine
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share