What is L-tyrosine?
L-tyrosine is an amino acid produced naturally in the body, manufactured using another amino acid called phenylalanine.
Tyrosine is present in all tissues of the body. So basically if you do not take enough tyrosine from food, your body can compensate and make more.
On the other hand, if you consume too much, your body will break it down and get rid of it.
Role of L-tyrosine
L-tyrosine is important in the production of important substances including:
Dopamine: Dopamine plays a role in how we feel pleasure, influences your mood and feeling of reward and motivation.
Adrenaline and noradrenaline: These hormones are also called “fight, flight or fright”.
Melanin: Melanin is what gives your skin, hair, and eyes their color.
Thyroid hormones: Yes, thyroid hormones are produced from thyroid glands, however, the body uses tyrosine to make the precursors of thyroid hormones.
Benefits of L-tyrosine
L-tyrosine can possibly be effective for:
Cognition and motivation
Some studies show that the use of tyrosine supplements may boost your brain function.
Animal studies indicate that systemic administration of tyrosine in pharmacological quantities can reduce physiological and behavioral decrements induced by highly stressful conditions, according to this study l-Tyrosine ameliorates some effects of lower body negative pressure stress
In one study, tyrosine significantly improved working memory during a mentally demanding task, compared to a placebo. Working memory plays an important role in concentration and following instructions.
Which make sense, since l-tyrosine helps in the production of dopamine which helps to enhance attention.
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
This is a fancy term for people who can not synthesize tyrosine from phenylalanine. Therefore, in these persons, tyrosine is an essential amino acid.
The primary way to treat PKU is to follow a special diet that limits food containing phenylalanine.
Supplementing with tyrosine may be a variable option for alleviating these symptoms.
However, The researchers concluded that no recommendations could be made about whether tyrosine supplements are effective for the treatment of PKU , according to Tyrosine supplementation for phenylketonuria
Side effects
Tyrosine is considered safe by the FDA CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21
While it is safe for most people, it can interact with some medications.
Interactions
If you are taking any of these medications, speak to your doctor before supplementing with tyrosine:
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), these medications treat depression, and Parkinson’s disease.
- Levodopa, This is an important drug in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
- Thyroid replacement’s, people who are taking thyroid medications or have an overactive thyroid should be cautious when supplementing with tyrosine.
Bottom line
L-tyrosine dose can be anywhere from 500mg to 2000mg daily.
If you struggle with focusing on starting a task and stay focused on it, then supplementing with l-tyrosine may be worth a try.
Make sure that you are healthy with no of the aforementioned conditions. Also, always consult your doctor first before trying and supplement.
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