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When considering it as a new supplement, some people may wonder is L-Tyrosine safe?
L-Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid which is used to make proteins in the body. As a nootropic supplement, it is taken for memory and cognition-enhancing effects. Users report significant energy boosts, as well as enhanced concentration.
Tyrosine is naturally found in some foods, such as meats, soy products, almonds, dairy products and some fruits. It can also be produced in the body from the breakdown of the essential amino acid Phenylalanine.
In the body, Tyrosine is a precursor to various hormones and neurotransmitters. It can have a stimulatory side effect in some users and is also used to improve mood, stress and alertness.
Tyrosine side effects are possible, though not likely unless using a very high dosage of this supplement. Some drug interactions and contraindications with various conditions do exist. This article will help you determine if L-Tyrosine is safe for your needs.
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The chemical name of L-Tyrosine is 4-hydroxyphenylalanine. It is commonly found in foods including fish, fowl, dairy products, lima beans, avocados, bananas, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and soy.
Normally, humans maintain adequate Tyrosine levels without needing to supplement their diets. However, in order to gain therapeutic amounts of L-Tyrosine, supplementation may be necessary.
People use L-Tyrosine for ADD, ADHD, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, narcolepsy, schizophrenia, and withdrawal from alcohol and cocaine. It is also used as an appetite suppressant and is sometimes applied topically to the skin.
It plays several key roles in the body and can be produced endogenously from Phenylalanine (which must be acquired from the diet), if dietary intake of Tyrosine is lacking.
Tyrosine is a precursor of certain neurotransmitters, thyroid hormones, the pigment melanin, and the catecholamines. Catecholamines are monoamine compounds that act as hormones and neurotransmitters in the body. The main catecholamines are Dopamine, Epinephrine, and Norepinephrine.
Research suggests that ingesting L-Tyrosine on an empty stomach can elevate Dopamine and Norepinephrine levels in the brain. This can subsequently boost energy, improve mood, and increase mental alertness.
The Natural Medicines database has rated supplemental L-Tyrosine as Possibly Effective for improving cognitive performance and memory under stressful conditions, and for increasing alertness following sleep deprivation. The FDA has not approved Tyrosine as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions. As an amino acid, Tyrosine fits the qualifications of a dietary supplement in the US.
Tyrosine Safety and Side Effects
Tyrosine in foods has generally regarded as safe (GRAS) status, which means it has a low risk of side effects. The Natural Medicines Database rates it as Likely Safe when consumed in amounts comparable to what can be derived from common foods.
According to the Natural Medicines Database L-Tyrosine supplements are rated as Possibly Safe in healthy adults when used in medicinal amounts, short-term. In research, Tyrosine has been used safely at doses up to 150 mg/kg bodyweight daily for up to 3 months.
Not enough data has been reported from clinical trials to determine possible side effects of Tyrosine administration in children. Usage in children should be avoided without the approval of a pediatrician or other healthcare provider.
The risk profile for Tyrosine is not defined for pregnant or nursing women. Avoid usage if you are pregnant, about to get pregnant, or are nursing.
It is well-tolerated in most users, however there are some adverse effects and interactions possible in sensitive individuals. The most common side effects seem to be stomach upset, intestinal pain and migraine headaches. Fatigue and joint pain have also been reported.
Other possible tyrosine side effects include restlessness, heart palpitations, arrhythmias, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, and/or overstimulation.
Side effects are most common when high doses are taken; dosages at or above 150 mg/kg bodyweight are considered high and may be more likely to cause negative effects. As with all supplements, it is important to start at a low dosage and only increase your dosage as needed after monitoring for adverse effects.
Always follow the dosing instructions on L-Tyrosine products you may begin using or any guidelines provided to you by a qualified physician. In those who are very sensitive to Tyrosine, even low doses between 200 and 500 mg daily may cause adverse effects.
Some users may want to use half of the recommended dosage when first starting to take this supplement. The dosage can them be increased incrementally over a couple weeks until the full dose is reached. This may help minimize the potential for negative Tyrosine side effects and interactions.
Tyrosine Interactions and Contraindications
Tyrosine side effects also include possibilities for negative interactions with certain diseases, drugs, herbal supplements, and foods.
Those who have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism should not use Tyrosine supplements. This can cause an excess of thyroxine, possibly exacerbating hyperthyroidism.
Those with hypothyroidism may also be advised to not take Tyrosine. If you are taking synthetic thyroid hormones it is not advised to take Tyrosine. Speak with your doctor to see if using Tyrosine may help hypothyroidism in your case.
If you use monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), then you should avoid using L-Tyrosine without your doctor’s permission. Used in this manner, Tyrosine may alter blood pressure and cause heart attacks and/or strokes.
Levodopa (L-Dopa) is a supplement commonly used for Parkinson’s disease. Tyrosine should not be stacked with L-Dopa. This can block uptake of L-Dopa and similar substances inside the intestines.
Although there is limited clinical data on this effect, Tyrosine seems to slightly reduce blood pressure. Due to this antihypertensive effect, adverse reactions could occur if combined with certain medications or supplements used to lower blood pressure.
Do not use L-Tyrosine in conjunction with phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and/or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).
Do not use Tyrosine with nitrates used to treat heart disease. Also, avoid using this supplement with any agents which affect blood pressure or heart rate.
Use Tyrosine cautiously if stacking with certain herbs including angelica, clove, red clover, devil’s claw, fenugreek, danshen, garlic, guar gum, ginseng, and/or gingko. Usage with these substances may result in hypotension (low blood pressure) and other related side effects.
Conclusions
L-Tyrosine is a supplement that is used by many people for improving the mood, increasing subjective feelings of well-being, and helping to cope with daily stress.
It is also used to enhance cognitive function and boost mental alertness and physical energy levels. Keep in mind that Tyrosine may potentiate the effects of other stimulatory substances.
To be sure that it is safe for you, discuss relevant Tyrosine side effects and benefits with a doctor who understands your health history and current health state. Be sure to disclose the use of all prescription or illicit drugs, as well as any herbal supplements you may be taking.
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Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
Faço uso do inositol inóspito para o toc, posso usar tirosina também?