L-Tyrosine 500 mg tablets are sometimes used as natural brain supplements for improved mood, focus, and mental energy.
L-Tryosine is an amino acid which is a byproduct of the breakdown of Phenylalanine in the body. Phenylalanine is another amino acid which the body already employs for a variety of essential functions, including the regulation of mood.
Because of the way that endogenous (produced within the body) Tyrosine works, there are some people who are interested in using supplemental L-Tyrosine pills as an alternative to certain prescription drugs for depression, ADHD, and anxiety, such as Prozac, Zoloft, Xanax, Adderall, and Ritalin.
Can supplementing with this organic compound provide mood enhancement with a low risk of side effects or abuse? This article will examine the use of L-Tyrosine 500 mg tablets as a natural mental health supplement and mood booster.



- Supports energy & motivation
- Promotes focus & mental clarity
- Improves mood & stress response
L-Tyrosine Mechanism of Action
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As an amino acid, L-Tyrosine is used by the body to make proteins and to perform vital maintenance on cells. L-Tyrosine also works to balance several neurotransmitters which relate to mood.
Tyrosine is the precursor to the catecholamines, a group of naturally occurring amines that function as neurotransmitters and hormones within the body. These compounds are Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Epinephrine.
In the brain, L-Tyrosine is converted into Dopamine, the well-known neurochemical which elicits feelings of ambition and drive.
L-Tyrosine also ensures that optimum levels of Norepinephrine and Epinephrine remain in the brain. These hormones exhibit powerful metabolic effects and ensure that you can respond appropriately in times of stress.
The combination of these hormones aids in mental focus and concentration. So, L-Tyrosine simultaneously boosts the brain’s cognitive function while supporting the chemistry of good mood and confidence.
Why People Use L-Tyrosine 500mg Tablets
L-Tyrosine is a common amino acid that has been growing in its use as a dietary supplement.
User reviews say that benefits include better memory and improved cognitive abilities related to executive function.
The mental clarity associated with taking a dosage of L-tyrosine powder is often compared to the effects of a morning cup of coffee. Users have said that it provides a sensation of clear, focused energy without resulting in a “crash” later on in the day like the typical energy drink.
L-Tyrosine is also believed to deliver some mood lifting benefits. Some people will use Tyrosine for anxiety, depression, and general mood enhancement. In online reviews, many users say that with regular use it can alleviate stress and fatigue, and promote a sense of excitement and confidence.
L-Tyrosine 500mg pills have also been used for social anxiety, stress, and distractions which can make it difficult to focus and concentrate. Users often cite a heightened degree of attention and greater control over their mental processes when using this supplement.
There is some evidence from multiple research studies in both animals and humans that supplemental L-Tyrosine may improve cognitive performance, memory, cognitive flexibility, and learning capacity, especially under stressful circumstance such as extreme environmental conditions, intense exercise, and during psychological stress.
Because of its relationship to Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Epinephrine, Tyrosine is believed to naturally lift the mood and help handle stress. For all of these reasons, some people will use L-Tyrosine supplements for a broad range of emotional and cognitive imbalances, such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
The Natural Medicines database has rated Tyrosine as Effective for Phenylketonuria, and Possibly Effective for improving cognitive performance, memory, and the effects of sleep deprivation. Research on supplemental Tyrosine has been promising so far, but more research is needed to determine all the effects it may have. At this time L-Tyrosine is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Tyrosine as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.
Is A Dosage of L-Tyrosine 500 mg Tablets Enough?
The dosage range of L-Tyrosine is fairly broad. The generally accepted baseline dose is one L-Tyrosine 500mg pill, taken up to three times daily. Most users say that effects at this dosage are mild but noticeable.
In research studies dosages as high as 100-150 mg/kg bodyweight per day have been used (ex. dosage range of 7-10 g per day for a 150lb person). While dosages this high are still considered safe, it can lead to the risk of more side effects.
Some people will find this amount to be far too stimulating, similar to drinking too many cups of coffee. Sleep may be interfered with, and some people may even experience an irregular heartbeat. The most common L-Tyrosine side effects include nausea, headache, fatigue, and heartburn. These are most commonly associated with large doses and typically cease when smaller dosages are taken.
Why the large dosage range? When consumed on a full stomach, L-Tyrosine has to compete with many other amino acids to be transported into brain cells. If you ingest it from food sources, it has difficulty passing through the blood brain barrier (BBB).
You may be able to improve transfer across the BBB by using pure L-Tyrosine 500 mg tablets on an empty stomach when there will be fewer amino acids in the blood competing to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. This can also be used to counteract signs of a Tyrosine deficiency. This condition is rare in the developed world, and often only occurs in people with Phenylketonuria who cannot properly metabolize phenylalanine and need to supplement directly with Tyrosine to meet their needs.
The amount which makes it to the brain varies from person to person, so if you are exploring L-Tyrosine for the first time, it’s best to start with the standard 500 mg dose and slowly add to the amount as needed, over time. There are other ways to enhance the efficacy of L-Tyrosine, which we will discuss below.
Stacking with L-Tyrosine
It is a common practice to add L-Tyrosine 500mg tablets to other natural supplements, in order to create synergistic effects. This technique, called “stacking,” is common with countless combinations of natural remedies which are believed to become more effective than individual ingredients on their own.
In the case of L-Tyrosine, we see this synergy with L-Theanine, a glutamic acid which is taken sometimes to boost GABA activity. L-Theanine’s GABA effects complement L-Tyrosine’s Dopamine effects nicely, providing comprehensive emotional support.
This combination, a staple of popular commercial products like Alpha Brain, is used to improve stress and provide excellent natural motivation and confidence. Using natural remedies to achieve these goals can be a safe and effective approach to improving emotional wellbeing.
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Article last updated on: April 28th, 2018 by Nootriment