Is Tyrosine the Best Dopamine-Boosting Supplement to Take?

Tyrosine is an amino acid that serves as a precursor to the mood-regulating neurotransmitter, dopamine. Tyrosine can be consumed from a number of protein sources, or it can be synthesized from the amino acid L-phenylalanine.

Tyrosine is first converted into L-DOPA by the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). L-DOPA is then used to manufacture dopamine, with the help of the cofactor, Vitamin B6.

Using a tyrosine supplement is considered to be an effective way to naturally enhance dopamine production in the brain. Tyrosine pills are commonly taken for their mood-boosting effects and to increase focus, energy levels, motivation as well as fat metabolism.

Is tyrosine the best supplement for increasing dopamine levels? Mucuna pruriens – a natural source of L-DOPA – is considered to be more effective because it avoids a rate-limiting factor in the conversion of tyrosine to L-DOPA. However, this supplement may pose a higher risk of side effects.

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

Top Tyrosine Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Tyrosine and Dopamine Pathway

Phenylalanine, tyrosine and dopamine are key precursors in catecholamine and phenethylaminergic trace amine biosynthesis pathways.

In humans, catecholamines like dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine are neurotransmitters and hormones used to relay messages between neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems.

These brain chemicals are produced from raw materials including amino acids, vitamins, minerals and certain other micronutrients.

Consumption of protein-rich foods and/or dietary supplementation can increase levels of these raw materials and thereby accommodate increased catecholamine levels.

Basic catecholamine biosynthesis can be viewed as follows:

Phenylalanine –> Tyrosine –> Dopa –> Dopamine –> Norepinephrine –> Epinephrine

Review of Tyrosine

Tyrosine (C9H11NO3) is an alpha amino acid. It is found in many foods and can also be produced inside the body.

Tyrosine results from the conversion of another amino acid called phenylalanine (C9H11NO2). This reaction occurs via the actions of phenylalanine carboxylase, a lyase enzyme.

The active form of vitamin B6 (phenylalanine carboxylase) is used as a cofactor in this conversion reaction.

Tyrosine is a proteinogenic amino that is the rate-limiting precursor in catecholamine production. Via the actions of a monooxygenase enzyme called tyrosine hydroxylase, tyrosine may be converted into DOPA.

As a dietary supplement, tyrosine has a number of different uses. According to the Natural Medicines Database, it is taken for depression, ADD & ADHD, enhancing alertness following sleep deprivation, stress, and libido.

It is also used medicinal for phenylketonuria (PKU), Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Parkinson’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), narcolepsy, drug withdrawal, Alzheimer’s disease, impotence and for weight loss.

Tyrosine, DOPA and Dopamine Synthesis

The terms “L-DOPA” and “levodopa” are often used interchangeably. DOPA (C9H11NO4) is an amino acid which consists of a single molecule of phenylalanine plus two hydroxyl groups.

Each hydroxyl group contains a single oxygen atom covalently bonded to a single hydrogen atom.

Humans biosynthesize L-DOPA in the liver during the synthesis of melanin and epinephrine. DOPA is the direct precursor required for dopamine biosynthesis.

The L isomer of DOPA is able to cross the blood brain barrier. Dopamine itself cannot. Therefore, L-DOPA must enter the brain to accommodate dopamine biosynthesis.

Dopamine (C8H11NO2) is a catecholamine neurotransmitter that is commonly associated with pleasure and reward. Many call it the “feel-good” brain chemical.

Dopamine is also responsible for helping to modulate body movements, learning, memory, sex drive (libido), emotional states and the capacity to handle everyday stress.

Some dopamine is further converted into norepinephrine (C8H11NO3), and subsequently epinephrine (C9H13NO3).

As a medicine, dopamine is administered intravenously in the form of dopamine hydrochloride. It is used for hypotension (low blood pressure) caused by the shock that results from heart attacks, heart failure, surgery, kidney failure, trauma and certain other events.

Tyrosine and Dopamine Uses

As a dopamine booster, tyrosine is frequently taken to enhance mood, increase motivation, and improve productivity. It is used by individuals who want a natural remedy for depression and anxiety, as a component of nootropic stacks and by bodybuilders for its effects on energy and fat metabolism.

Tyrosine is rated as effective for enhancing cognitive performance, particularly under stressful conditions. This is most likely linked to its ability to increase dopamine availability in the brain, which can positively affect executive function and goal-oriented behavior.

In one study, taking a drink that provided 2 grams of tyrosine per serving resulted in improved memory and performance scores in a tracking test among military cadets in combat training.

Other studies have shown in can improve cognitive function prior to being exposed to acute external stressors, like extreme cold. This supplement also increased executive function and short-term memory in study participates experiencing noise-induced stress.

For these reasons, Tyrosine is commonly used by students as a study aid before exams. It has also been taken for treating ADD (attention deficit disorder) and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), but may not have long-term benefits for addressing these conditions.

Tyrosine is a GRAS food and is rated as likely safe for use in amounts commonly gained from the diet. It is rated as possibly safe for proper oral, short-term use.

It has been used safely in doses up to 150 mg/kg daily for as long as 3 months. There is not enough information currently to determine its safety in pregnant or nursing women.

Raising Tyrosine and Dopamine Levels Naturally

There are several ways to boost tyrosine and dopamine levels naturally. The most effective and direct way is through the diet.

By increasing the availability of the raw materials necessary for tyrosine and dopamine synthesis, levels of these vital chemicals can be boosted significantly.

Consider increasing your intake of high-protein, water-rich food sources like:

• Kale, spinach and other green leafy vegetables;
• Chickpeas (garbanzo beans);
• Turkey, chicken and fish;
• Almonds and peanuts;
• Lean cuts of meat;
• Cheese;
• Eggs;

Also consider adding more cherries, bananas, black beans, blueberries, strawberries, artichokes and avocados to your diet to increase tyrosine and dopamine levels.

Other ways to increase dopamine naturally include getting regular exercise, handling stress effectively, drinking enough water and setting and working toward goals.

If you are still not achieving desired results, consider using an oral tyrosine supplement. Many people also include a multivitamin/multimineral supplement to ensure availability of necessary cofactors.

Conclusions

By increasing your levels of tyrosine, you give your body what it needs to upregulate dopamine synthesis. In this manner, you may be able to help reduce depression, decrease anxiety and better combat the effects of stress.

Low dopamine symptoms often include feelings of loss, hopelessness and depression. Many feel chronically fatigued in both mind and body. If tyrosine and dopamine remain at low levels for too long, very serious health conditions can result.

Tyrosine may decrease thyroid stimulating hormone by upregulating thyroxine synthesis. Tyrosine supplementation may exacerbate the symptoms of Graves disease and hyperthyroidism. Other disease and drug interactions are also possible.

Seek medical advice before engaging any program to increase tyrosine and dopamine. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications and/or herbal supplements you use.

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