A nurse is reinforcing dietary teaching with a client who has a new prescription for a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to avoid while taking an MAOI?

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Question

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AIIMS NORCET 7 Prelims Memory Based Paper 2024

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Tyramine food

Rationale:

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of medications used to treat depression. They work by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain.
Tyramine is a naturally occurring monoamine compound found in certain foods. When taking MAOIs, it is crucial to avoid foods high in tyramine because the inhibition of monoamine oxidase can lead to dangerously high levels of tyramine in the body.
High levels of tyramine can cause a hypertensive crisis, which is a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure that can lead to serious health complications such as stroke or heart attack.
Foods that are high in tyramine include aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented foods, soy products, and certain alcoholic beverages like red wine and beer.

Explanation of Other Options:

High Protein

Rationale: While a high-protein diet can be beneficial for overall health, it is not specifically contraindicated for individuals taking MAOIs. The primary concern is the tyramine content in certain protein-rich foods, not the protein itself.

Carbohydrates

Rationale: Carbohydrates are a major macronutrient and a primary source of energy for the body. There is no specific restriction on carbohydrate intake for individuals taking MAOIs, unless the carbohydrate-rich foods contain high levels of tyramine.

Low cholesterol diet

Rationale: A low cholesterol diet focuses on reducing the intake of foods high in cholesterol to maintain heart health. This dietary approach is unrelated to the dietary restrictions required when taking MAOIs, except where there is an overlap with tyramine-rich foods.

Conclusion:

Among the given options, avoiding tyramine-rich foods is critical for individuals taking MAOIs due to the risk of hypertensive crisis. Understanding the dietary restrictions and potential interactions with certain foods can help manage the side effects and ensure the safe use of MAOIs.