Anyone who is taking a widely - prescribed drug in the UK has been given a warning over mixing it with a very common food present in many dishes. Use of antidepressants is soaring with around 8.7 to 8.8 million people in England alone were prescribed antidepressants in the 2023/24 period, with millions more taking them across the UK for depression, anxiety, and other conditions, as numbers continue a steady rise.

A pharmaceutical experthas given an alert to anyone taking commondepressants phenelzine, isocarboxazid, and tranylcypromine - because the common ingredient can interfere with them and potentially lead to a ‘dangerous rise in blood pressure’.

Dipa Kamdar, Senior Lecturerin Pharmacy Practice, KingstonUniversity, writing on The Conversation websitesaid: “Beans are considered healthy as they’re high in fibre and vitamins and minerals. Beans are also a great source of plant-based protein.

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“But soybeans, broad beans (fava beans) and snow peas may be high in tyramine. While tyramine is a substance naturally found in the body and in certain foods (such as aged cheeses, cured meats and fermented foods), it can interact with the antidepressant phenelzine.

“Phenelzine is a monoamineoxidase inhibitor antidepressant (MAOI), which is less commonly used nowadays. The drug blocks enzymes which break down tyramine in the body. If patients eat tyramine-rich foods, this may result in high levels of tyramine, potentially leading to a dangerous rise in blood pressure. Only MAOI antidepressants, such as phenelzine, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine, are affected by tyramine.”

She did however say people should check with an expert before changing their diets as beans are very good for you. She said: “A healthy diet can improve your overall health in many ways. Just be sure to consult with a doctor of pharmacist before drastically changing your diet – particularly if you take prescription medications.”

Soybeans and broad beans are nutritional powerhouses, offering high plant protein, fiber, folate, vitamins (B, C, K), and minerals (iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc) that boost heart health, aid digestion, support weight management, improve bone density, and may even help with Parkinson’s symptoms due to L-dopa content. Both promote fullness and gut health, while soy’s isoflavones and broad beans’ nutrients contribute to reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart issues and certain cancers.

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