L-Tyrosine vs. Phenylalanine Comparison: Can you Use them Together?

There is some confusion about the similar roles of L-Tyrosine vs. Phenylalanine in the human body.

Both are natural amino acids found in the body which form the building blocks of proteins. Both also have several vital functions for basic cognitive health and maintenance of mood.

These substances are used to synthesize the catecholamine hormones and neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine which are involved in everything from mood to stress responses to attentional control.

You will also find both sold as dietary supplements with promises of similar benefits. But which is the more effective supplement to use between L-Tyrosine and Phenylalanine capsules?

Here is a brief summary of the difference between these two compounds, plus a recommendation on how to effectively supplement with the appropriate product for you. When used correctly, L-Tyrosine and Phenylalanine can have profound impact upon emotional well-being and mental power.

We’ll also touch upon safety issues connected to these supplements, including warning signs of both deficiency and overdose. Read on to find out if you should incorporate these aminos into your daily health regimen.

Phenylalanine

Amino Acid

Mood

Focus

Energy

How It Works:

• Precursor for the production of dopamine
• Supports mood & combats stress
• Boosts energy & mental focus

Dosage:

Between 100 - 5000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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What Is Phenylalanine?

Phenylalanine is an amino acid that is integral to various functions in the central nervous system. It is obtained primarily through food sources like many animal proteins and fish.

Once ingested, Phenylalanine is converted into other amino acids, such as Phenylethylamine and L-Tyrosine. All of these aminos are the building blocks of proteins.

In addition, these converted forms of Phenylalanine work to influence and control production of catecholamine neurotransmitters like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

DL-Phenylalanine improves communication between nerve cells and is a known booster to memory function. Phenylalanine also works as an analgesic. It can soothe both chronic an acute pain, such as migraines, arthritis, and cramps.

How Does L-Tyrosine Differ From Phenylalanine?

L-Tyrosine is the natural product of Phenylalanine in the body. It is another essential amino acid with many similar functions as Phenylalanine.

However, L-Tyrosine itself cannot be reliably supplied directly from food sources, as it is not bioavailable and cannot cross the blood brain barrier on its own. For this reason, foods which are rich in L-Tyrosine, such as seaweed, buffalo, tuna, and avocado, can only provide some of the L-Tyrosine which is necessary for normal cognitive function and mood management.

L-Tyrosine works to keep cell membranes healthy and is used to synthesize the biochemical messengers which travel between cells delivering information and sparking physical reactions throughout the body. L-Tyrosine boosts levels of dopamine, while supporting the healthy re-uptake of norepinephrine.

This combo action keeps neural hormones in balance, providing optimum energy, metabolism, and communication in the brain. The main difference between L-Tyrosine vs. Phenylalanine is that L-Tyrosine cannot be created in the body without an initial amount of Phenylalanine present first.

Tyrosine

Amino Acid

Motivation

Mental Focus

Mood

How It Works:

• Supports energy & motivation
• Promotes focus & mental clarity
• Improves mood & stress response

Dosage:

Between 500 - 2000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Benefits of Supplementing with L-Tyrosine and Phenylalanine

When comparing L-Tyrosine versus Phenylalanine, both compounds can deliver similar strong mood lifting effects. They both offer similar stimulation/control over the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, resulting in clear, bright mental energy, heighted concentration and mental focus, and a perception of drive and ambition. When levels of these compounds are abundant, attention span is sharp and physical senses are pronounced.

These conditions lend themselves to enhanced confidence and less general anxiety. In fact, L-Tyrosine can be considered an antidote to social anxiety and is known to lift many of the low energy symptoms of depression. In addition to these mood benefits, both L-Tyrosine and Phenylalanine promote cognitive enhancements, such as increased memory function and greater facility with reasoning and logic.

Both L-Tyrosine and Phenylalanine are frequently used as weight lifting and fitness supplements. In ample amounts, these compounds can raise metabolism and contribute to fat loss exercise programs. They can also create the intense mental focus needed for challenging workouts. For these reasons, we often see both of these supplements added to commercial protein powders.

Safety Comparison of L-Tyrosine vs. Phenylalanine – Side Effects

In a side by side safety comparison, the results of L-Tyrosine vs. Phenylalanine favor L-Tyrosine. As mentioned earlier, L-Tyrosine is more likely to break down before reaching the brain.

As a result, it is harder to overdose on the compound. At doses ranging from 500 mg to 5 grams per day, L-Tyrosine has shown very few side effects. Phenylalanine, however, persists in the blood longer and can reach toxic levels if taken in too large quantities.

Some side effects reported from excessive Phenylalanine include rapid heart beat and chronic heart palpitations, feelings of anxiety, panic attacks, bad digestion, as well as interference with sleep cycles.

If you are taking Phenylalanine and experience these side effects, you should significantly lower the dose or suspend supplementation altogether. These side effects are indicators that you probably do not have an L-Tyrosine deficiency. The good news is, side effects will vanish almost immediately upon cessation of supplementation.

L-Tyrosine vs. Phenylalanine – Which Should You Buy?

Everyone needs an abundant supply of L-Tyrosine for normal cognitive function. For added mood lift, or in the case of a pre-existing deficiency, it is necessary to consume more L-Tyrosine than food and dietary sources can provide. In this case, supplementation with Phenylalanine is an excellent way to effectively boost L-Tyrosine levels in the brain.

We also recommend exploring complementary natural supplements, such as L-Theanine. This noted natural stress reliever harmonizes well with L-Tyrosine and boosts its efficacy, especially as pertains to mood maintenance.

For this reason, the Alpha Brain product, which incorporates both compounds, is highly recommended. In the final analysis of L-Tyrosine vs. Phenylalanine, we see more tangible benefits from L-Tyrosine, but issues with bioavailability mean that supplementation will have to be combined with food sources and other mood enhancing compounds to achieve maximum efficacy.

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