Tannins

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Tannins

Migraine Trigger
Found in: Wine (especially Red Wine), Tea, Berries, Pomegranates, Persimmons

See: Jeanette Navia's Tannins & Migraine Website

The term tannin refers to the source of tannins used in tanning animal hides into leather. Tannins are naturally occurring complex polyphenolics found in many plants, particularly those with a woody habit.

Many fruit drinks contain apple juice, which is high in tannins. Tannins are often added to juices, as a clarifying agent, and, in some apple ciders, it's added to increase the astringency of the juices. Grape juices and berry juices are relatively high in tannins.

Their main function in nature seems to be one of protection; animals are deterred from eating plants high in tannins because of the bitter, astringent taste. Tannins are complex compounds with molecular weights between 500 and 3,000. There are many different tannins, often divided into two groups: hydrolyzable tannins and condensed tannins. The most often observed property of all tannins is their affinity to bind with proteins, starches, cellulose and minerals. Tanners have taken advantage of this strong protein binding ability to produce leather from animal hides for centuries.

Although researchers are not certain what the exact mechanism is behind migraine, most are currently in agreement that the neurotransmitter serotonin is involved. Could phenolic compounds interfere with serotonin receptors? Some researchers suggest that, at least in some cases, low levels of utilizable serotonin may account for a propensity to migraine. According to agricultural studies, tannins are believed to bind with nutritional components in the digestive tract, and to bind to the wall of the digestive tract itself. Although proline absorption appears to be most effected by tannins' complexing with proteins, other amino acids, including tryptophan (a precursor to serotonin), are also effected. Starches, needed by the body in the production of serotonin, are easily bound by tannins. It seems possible that as a result of this binding, diets high in tannins could result in reduced utilizable levels of serotonin. In individuals who are susceptible to migraine, such a reduction of serotonin may lead to an increase in the number and severity of their migraines.