EFFECT OF DIET ON URINARY-EXCRETION OF UNCONJUGATED CATECHOLAMINES AND SOME OF THEIR METABOLITES IN HEALTHY CONTROL SUBJECTS AND DEPRESSED-PATIENTS

The effect of a low-monoamine diet on the 24-h urinary excretion of unconjugated catecholamines and some of their metabolites was investigated. Total (unconjugated and conjugated) 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylglycol excretion was 15% to 20% lower under the low-monoamine diet, both when calculated per 24 h and per creatinine excretion. No effect on the concentrations of unconjugated urinary catecholamines, unconjugated vanillylmandelic acid, or total normetanephrine was observed. It is concluded that, for diagnosis of neural crest tumors, no dietary restrictions are necessary, provided analytical methods such as presented are used. When 24-h urines are analysed for MHPG, however, as in psychiatric studies, dietary effects must be taken into account, especially when small differences in excretion are expected. © 1990.