§ Sir David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will identify the particular bio-chemical properties of Chianti wine which leads his Department to recommend in form HM(N) 0729 DO8 101127 150M 3/80 MoC3308 that the takers of certain drugs should avoid Chianti wine completely whereas all other alcoholic drinks may be taken in moderation.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI am advised that monoamine oxidase inhibitors, used in the treatment of depression, slow the metabolism of alcohol which is why all alcoholic drinks should be taken only in moderation by patients receiving these drugs. However it appears that, in addition to this general situation, Chianti wine contains a high level of tyramine which cannot be metabolised in patients receiving these drugs and the accumulation of tyramine produces dangerous increases in blood pressure which may have fatal results.