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L-Tyrosine effects are multifaceted, and this supplement is promoted for uses as varied as stress relief, cognitive enhancement, fat burning, and mood improvement.
The effects of L-Tyrosine are so wide-ranging because it influences several brain systems at once.
It is a non-essential amino acid used to manufacture a number of hormones and neurotransmitters including Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, and Thyroxine, among others.
While the body naturally makes Tyrosine from the amino acid Phenylalanine, at times our stores can become depleted. If this occurs, then Tyrosine may become a rate limiting factor in the ongoing synthesis of proteins and cause an overall lack of efficiency in both cognitive and physiological processes.
What are some of the most noticeable L-Tyrosine effects as they related to stress, brain function, metabolism, and more?
Motivation
Mental Focus
Mood- Supports energy & motivation
- Promotes focus & mental clarity
- Improves mood & stress response
Top Tyrosine Products* ❯L-Tyrosine Effects
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As mentioned above, Tyrosine serves as an important precursor in the synthesis of a number of active substance in the body.
For example, it is used to make Thyroxin which is the body’s main thyroid hormone as well as Melanin – the pigment responsible for skin and hair color as well as providing protection against ultraviolet rays.
Typical food sources of L-Tyrosine include fish, soy products, dairy, eggs, poultry, almonds, lima beans, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, almonds, oats, and bananas. Despite its high prevalence in many foods that we eat, not all of the Tyrosine that you eat is able to reach the brain.
To cause effects in the brain and nervous system, Tyrosine needs to first get across the blood-brain barrier, the protective membrane that separates the bloodstream and the brain tissue. It uses the same transport system as other amino acids such as tryptophan, valine, isoleucine, leucine, and phenylalanine.
This means that the relative concentration of these amino acids affect how much Tyrosine is actually transported into the brain and used. Higher concentrations of these other compounds can limit the uptake of L-Tyrosine into the brain.
While Tyrosine deficiency is rare in developed countries, it is possible in certain circumstances, and in these cases people may find supplementation useful. One group of people that may need to supplement with Tyrosine are those with Phenylketonuria. These people have a condition where they do not process Phenylalanine properly and cannot consume it; consequently, they may become deficient in Tyrosine, as Phenylalanine in the diet is converted into Tyrosine in the body when needed.
L-Tyrosine Improves Stress Response
One prominent claim about the effects of L-Tyrosine supplementation is that it may protect against the effects of stress. This is largely due to the role of this amino acid in catecholamine production.
Catecholamines are amines that function in the body as neurotransmitters and hormones. Among them are Epinephrine (Adrenaline), Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline), and Dopamine.
When you experience stress, your brain releases Norepinephrine to stimulate your CNS and increase your energy and mental power. The problem is that it can take time to replenish levels of this neurotransmitter once depleted.
This is, for example, why so many people feel sluggish and down after the effects of drugs like Adderall have worn off. Tyrosine increases the rate of Norepinephrine synthesis so that you are less susceptible to stress and do not experience an energy crash.
Studies show Tyrosine to be particularly effective for cold stress, the combination of cold and high-altitude stress, extended wakefulness (i.e. sleep deprivation), and lower body negative pressure stress (occurs during space flight). One study found that compared to a placebo, taking supplemental Tyrosine prior to acute cold exposure was effective at reducing cold-induced decreases in cognitive performance, presumably by augmenting brain catecholamine levels.
There is some evidence to suggest that the body might not be able to produce enough Tyrosine from Phenylalanine when under stress. This makes it even more important to supplement directly with Tyrosine as opposed to relying on Phenylalanine supplements or food sources.
Other studies indicate that both memory and performance when under psychological stress may be improved with Tyrosine supplementation, although more research is needed.
L-Tyrosine Effects on Cognitive Improvement
There is some evidence to suggest that L-Tyrosine supplementation may lead to cognitive improvements. In research it has been seen to reduce the effects of both stress and fatigue on cognitive task performance, making it easier to stay focused when studying or working for long hours.
One preliminary clinical study found that taking supplemental Tyrosine at a dosage of 150 mg/kg bodyweight prior to cognitive testing in sleep-deprived patients improved memory, reasoning, and vigilance compared to placebo patients.
Another study found that L-Tyrosine supplementation may sustain working memory when competing requirements (to perform other tasks at the same time) would otherwise degrade performance. Following from this it has been hypothesized that Tyrosine may be used to maintain mental performance when mild to severe distractions are well-anticipated.
In other words, it may help you focus and boost intelligence and acuity even if you are in a distracting environment. Many user reviews also claim that the effects of L-Tyrosine make it an ideal study pill or smart drug with some users with ADHD even saying it helps them to focus better.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive database has rated Tyrosine as Possibly Effective for improving cognitive performance, improving memory, and improving alertness following sleep deprivation. In the US the FDA does not consider Tyrosine as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions, and it is available as a dietary supplement.
The next question you might have is what dosage you should be taking to maximize positive L-Tyrosine effects while minimizing any potential side effects. The answer to this one depends on a few factors such as your age, weight, personal sensitivities, as well as the reason for taking this supplement.
Various studies have used doses of between 100-150 mg/kg bodyweight, consequently with a 150 lb person taking between 7-10 g per day. Dosages this large are still considered safe, however it may lead to a larger risk of side effects than smaller dosages.
Anecdotal sources suggest between 500 mg to 2000 mg per day usually split into two dosages. L-Tyrosine can be taken with or without food, however without food may be better so that the amino acid does not have to compete with other amino acids to cross the blood-brain barrier. It is best to not use after the early or mid-afternoon in order to avoid potential sleep disruptions.
Large dosages of Tyrosine (150 mg/kg) are most commonly associated with side effects such as nausea, headaches, fatigue, and heartburn. Most side effects subside when smaller dosages are taken.
If you are interested in L-Tyrosine effects primarily for nootropic purposes or mood enhancement, consider the Alpha Brain stack which includes Tyrosine along with several other well-researched brain supplements.
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- Møller SE. Effect of oral contraceptives on tryptophan and tyrosine availability: evidence for a possible contribution to mental depression. Neuropsychobiology. 1981
- Nagano-Saito A, Cisek P, Perna AS, Shirdel FZ, Benkelfat C, Leyton M, Dagher A. From anticipation to action, the role of dopamine in perceptual decision making: an fMRI-tyrosine depletion study. J Neurophysiol. 2012
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment