Test diet - 5HIAA
This document is part of the ACI Diet Specifications for Adult Inpatients. It is not to be used for patient education.
Aim
To avoid foods high in 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA) and its precursor, serotonin.
Characteristics
Avoids banana, plantain, pineapple, kiwifruit, tomato, plums, walnuts, eggplants, pecans (hickory nuts), avocado, tea, coffee and alcohol.
Indications
This is a test diet used in conjunction with urinalysis for 5-HIAA. Some but not all patients with malignant carcinoid tumours excrete elevated levels of 5-HIAA as a result of serotonin synthesis by the tumour.
Nutritional adequacy
Nutritionally adequate.
Precautions
The diet is required 24 hours prior to commencement of the urine collection and during the 24-hour urine sample. Tea, coffee and nicotine can elevate 5HIAA results. Alcohol can cause falsely lower 5HIAA results. Paracetamol can cause interference with some assays.
Paediatrics
Suitable for use in paediatrics when combined with an age-appropriate diet.
Specific menu planning guidelines
| Allowed | Not allowed | |
|---|---|---|
| Hot main dishes | All others | Dishes containing eggplant, tomatoes or plantain, pecan or walnuts |
| Sauces, gravies | All others | Sauces containing tomato and eggplant |
| Starchy vegetables / pasta / rice | All others | Plantain |
| Vegetables | All others | Eggplant, tomatoes, avocados |
| Soups | All others | Soups containing eggplant, tomato or avocado |
| Sandwiches | All others | Sandwiches containing tomato, eggplant, avocado or banana |
| Salads, dressings | All others | Salads containing tomato, eggplant, avocado or plantain |
| Breads, cereals | All | Breads and cereal containing pieces of walnut or pecan |
| Spreads | All others | Spreads containing walnut or pecans Plum, passionfruit, kiwifruit or pineapple jams Eggplant, avocado or tomato-based spreads |
| Hot breakfast choices | All others | Hot breakfast items containing or served with bananas, plums, passionfruit, grapes, kiwifruit, pineapple (e.g. banana bread etc.) |
| Fruit | All others | Bananas, plums, passionfruit, grapes, kiwifruit, pineapple |
| Yoghurt | All others | Yoghurts containing bananas, plums, passionfruit, grapes, kiwifruit, pineapple, pecans or walnuts |
| Desserts | All others | Desserts containing bananas, plums, passionfruit, grapes, kiwifruit, pineapple, pecans or walnuts Coffee-flavoured desserts Desserts with alcohol as an ingredient |
| Milk and cheese | All others | Milk or milk-alternative drinks containing banana or coffee Soft and semi-soft cheese containing walnuts or pecans |
| Beverages | All others | Juices including bananas, plums, passionfruit, grapes, kiwifruit or pineapple Tea, coffee and alcohol Other caffeinated beverages (e.g. certain energy drinks) |
| Biscuits | All others | Biscuits containing walnuts or pecans |
| Miscellaneous | All | Plantain chips Supplements containing bananas, plums, passionfruit, grapes, kiwifruit, pineapple or coffee |
References
- St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney. 24 hour urine catecholamines and 5HIAA collections. 2022. [accessed 21 May 2024].
- QML Pathology. Urine collection diet for 5HIAA and catecholamine. 2009.
- Mashige F, Matsushima Y, Kanazawa H. Acidic catecholamine metabolites and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in urine: the influence of diet. Ann Clin Biochem 1996;33:43-9.
- Corcuff JB, Chardon L, Ridah, I and Brossaud J. Urinary sampling for 5HIAA and metanephrines determination: revisiting recommendations. Endocrine connect 2017:6(6):R87-R98.
- Feldman J.M, Lee E. Serotonin content of foods: effect on urinary excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 1985, p 639-643.