Test diet - catecholamine / VMA / metanephrines

Aim

To avoid foods high in catecholamines.

Characteristics

Avoids coffee, tea, bananas, chocolate, cocoa and vanilla.

Indications

This is a test diet used in the investigation of hypertension.

Nutritional adequacy

Nutritionally adequate.

Precautions

The diet is usually required 24 hours prior to, and during, the test period.

Paediatrics

Suitable for use in paediatrics when combined with an age-appropriate diet.

Specific menu planning guidelines

	Allowed	Not allowed
Hot main dishes	All	-
Sauces, gravies	All	-
Starchy vegetables / pasta / rice	All	-
Vegetables	All	-
Soups	All	-
Sandwiches	All	-
Salads, dressings	All	-
Breads, cereals	All	Coco Pops®
Spreads	All others	Nutella and chocolate spreads
Hot breakfast choices	All	-
Fruit	All others	Bananas
Yoghurt	All others	Banana, coffee, vanilla or chocolate-flavoured yoghurts
Desserts	All others	Bananas Coffee, chocolate or vanilla-flavoured desserts
Milk and cheese	All	Banana, coffee, chocolate or vanilla-flavoured milk
Beverages	All others	Tea, coffee, cocoa
Biscuits	All others	Chocolate biscuits
Miscellaneous		Vanilla

References

1. Vorvick L. Catecholamines – blood. Medline Plus. [accessed 14 June 2010].
2. St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney. 2006. 24 hour urine collection: catecholamines / 5HIAA. [accessed 14 June 2010].
3. Weetman RM, Rider PS, Oei TO, Hempel JS, Baehner RL. Effect of diet on urinary excretion of VMA, HVA, metanephrine, and total free catecholamines in normal preschool children. J Paed 1976;88:46-50.