L-Tyrosine powder is a common dietary supplement which delivers a concentrated dose of this important amino acid.
L-Tyrosine is naturally produced within the body from the breakdown of another amino acid, Phenylalanine. Tyrosine is also found in many common foods.
This amino acid regulates several facets of neural activity, including balancing several neurochemicals which govern mood.
Results from recent studies show that L-Tyrosine found in food has a difficult time crossing the blood-brain barrier.
Using a single ingredient pure supplement like Tyrosine powder may prove more effective for raising levels of this amino acid in the body. This article will discuss how this natural nootropic works to support mental health and touch upon the best and most effective ways to supplement it.



- Supports energy & motivation
- Promotes focus & mental clarity
- Improves mood & stress response
How L-Tyrosine Impacts Mood
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The perception of mood is greatly influenced by the exact balance of neurochemicals in the brain.
The amino acids are “helper” compounds which facilitate the communication between neurons and support the production of certain neurotransmitters.
L-Tyrosine is used in the production of the catecholamine hormones, namely Dopamine, Epinephrine (Adrenaline), and Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline).
These hormones are associated with many physical and mental effects which correlate to mood. In proper amounts, they regulate blood pressure, heighten senses, and ramp up metabolism. High levels of Epinephrine and Norepinephrine are associated with the “fight or flight” response that occurs during stressful situations.
However, when these hormones are lacking, a person might feel listless, unable to muster energy, have trouble thinking clearly, and be unable to feel pleasure. We often associate these issues with conditions like depression.
It is key therefore to maintain a proper balanced level of these neurotransmitters. L-Tyrosine serves as a building block for Dopamine, and ensures the healthy re-uptake of Norepinephrine. Furthermore, L-Tyrosine facilitates communication in and out of nerve cells in the brain.
It does this by keeping cell membranes permeable and healthy. This supports free-flowing communication which makes it easier for the brain to sort and deal with stress triggers, in turn improving overall perception of mood.
Typical L-Tyrosine Powder Benefits
People generally take L-Tyrosine powder supplements for the same reasons they enjoy a strong cup of coffee in the morning. User reviews say that it provides a feeling of natural energy and mental focus, better memory and recall, and a sense of “fluid” thoughts. Problems are said to feel manageable and work tasks can be completed successfully.
Some users even say that their scattered, anxious thoughts become more focused and easier to process. In research, L-Tyrosine supplementation has been seen to have an anti-stress effect in various trials.
It is know that the catecholamine neurotransmitters Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, and Dopamine can become depleted during stress. It has been hypothesized that supplementing with Tyrosine to increase availability of this precursor may allow increased catecholamine synthesis and consequently help avoid the negative effects of stress.
One study compared the cognitive and psychomotor performance of patients during acute exposure to cold stress. Cold-induced reductions in performance were mitigated in the patients who had been given a Tyrosine supplement prior to the test compared to patients given placebo.
Another similar study tested memory under cold-stress. Patients who had been given L-Tyrosine prior to cold exposure has improved memory performance compared to placebo patients.
The Natural Medicine database has rated supplemental L-Tyrosine as Possibly Effective for improving cognitive performance and memory in stressful conditions, and improving alertness following sleep deprivation. As an amino acid, Tyrosine is available as a dietary supplement. The FDA has not approved Tyrosine as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.
Food Sources of L-Tyrosine
Humans have always required some form of L-Tyrosine (or its precursor Phenylalanine) consumption from the diet, but until recently this has come exclusively from food sources. L-Tyrosine is commonly found in a range of staple foods, such as most animal proteins, fish, cheese, and avocados.
However, when it is derived exclusively from food sources, L-Tyrosine is not able to easily cross the blood brain barrier.
This means that when it is consumed orally, much of it does not in fact reach the brain where it needs to be taken up in order to have an impact on mood and cognitive processing.
The issue is that L-Tyrosine has to compete with many other amino acids found in food to cross the blood-brain barrier (protective membrane separating the bloodstream from brain tissue). Many high protein foods are a good source of L-Tyrosine, but also of many other amino acids that use the same transport channels across the blood-brain barrier.
For this reason, some people will turn to Tyrosine supplementation instead to keep levels of this amino high. By taking pure Tyrosine powder, you avoid the compound having to compete with other amino acids to cross the blood-brain barrier.
When ingested on a full stomach, Tyrosine’s penetration rate is notably low. Some experts suggest taking L-Tyrosine powder at least two hours before or after a meal to avoid transport competition. It is worth pointing out though that this method of administration is also associated with a slightly higher rate of side effects.
Tyrosine has been rated as Possibly Safe when used in medicinal amounts, short-term. Side effects are normally only seen in very high dosages. The most common side effects are nausea, headache, fatigue, and heartburn.
Buying L-Tyrosine Powder In Bulk?
Because of L-Tyrosine’s bioavailability issues, many people do not buy it as a standalone supplement. However, as long as you are aware of the fact that you need to take it on an empty stomach, this should not stop you from using L-Tyrosine.
You can buy this supplement from a number of bulk powder dealers on the internet at very reasonable prices. All you will need is a scale to measure the correct dosage and you can swallow the loose powder with juice or water.
If you would prefer to use capsules as a more convenient method of administration, there are both single ingredient Tyrosine formulations as well as a number of brain supplement stacks with this compound. One example of this is the mind and mood enhancement supplement Alpha Brain.
Products like these employ synergistic combinations of natural supplements to promote greater overall effects. These products are worth exploring, while continuing to eat a balanced diet which provides the body with additional raw materials it needs to produce L-Tyrosine.
Capsules are often much more expensive than powder due to the cost of production. If would like to save some money, but prefer the convenience of capsules, you can make your own capsules for cheaper than buying premade ones.
Capping machines are available for cheap online, as well as empty capsules. Using bulk L-Tyrosine powder to make your own capsules can save you money compared to buying premade capsules.
With a little research and work, the normal stress of daily life may be more effectively managed with physical activity, a balanced diet, and some natural supplements like L-Tyrosine powder.
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Article last updated on: April 28th, 2018 by Nootriment