L-Tyrosine is also known by the chemical name of 4-hydroxyphenylalanine. It is one of the 22 amino acids that are used by the cells of the human body to synthesize proteins.
Since it can be manufactured within the body it is considered to be a non-essential amino acid. This means that we do not need to consume additional Tyrosine to ensure adequate levels in the body.
However, there are some situations in which supplementation may have added benefits.
The word “Tyrosine” comes from the Greek and means cheese. This is in reference to the fact that this supplement was first discovered from casein, a cheese protein, in 1846.
Tyrosine is found in a number of high protein food sources. This includes chicken, turkey, fish, peanuts, almonds, avocados, milk, cheese, yogurt, bananas, and soy products. Its chemical name also indicates that Tyrosine may be synthesized from Phenylalanine within the body.
This amino acid is thought to be particularly helpful in a number of processes within the body, including influencing the production of a number of neurotransmitters.



- Supports energy & motivation
- Promotes focus & mental clarity
- Improves mood & stress response
L-Tyrosine Effects
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How does this amino acid work within the human body?
For starters, Tyrosine is created endogenously (made within the human body) from another amino acid, Phenylalanine.
When ingested directly in the form of a powder, pill, or capsule it will cross over the blood-brain barrier and enter into the central nervous system fairly quickly. Tyrosine from food sources may be available more slowly, as it needs more digestion to be separated from other constituents in the food, but will act the same as supplemental Tyrosine.
Tyrosine is a building block, or precursor, to a number of important neurotransmitters within the brain. These neurochemicals are used by your neurons to communicate with each other and generate electrical signals.
By increasing levels of the neurotransmitters Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, and Dopamine, Tyrosine is able to influence a wide range of processes and functions within the body. In particular, these chemicals are involved in functions related to alertness, attention and focus in the brain.
Another effect of Tyrosine is in the production and synthesis of additional chemicals and hormones such as Melanin. This is a pigment that is responsible for skin and hair color.
Tyrosine also aids in the functioning of organs that are responsible for the making and regulation of hormones throughout the body, such as the adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid glands. It is also intimately involved in building the structure of almost every protein in the body.
Tyrosine Benefits
One of the most interesting potential benefits of Tyrosine is that may be effective at reducing stress levels. This is believed to be related to the production of stress hormones Epinephrine and Norepinephrine.
A number of studies have researched this, finding that Tyrosine supplementation may be useful under conditions of not only stress but also cold, fatigue, prolonged work, and even sleep deprivation. There is also some evidence suggesting that cognitive function may improve under these conditions. In many online Tyrosine reviews, users have said that they find this supplement enhances mental performance and intellectual capacity.
One study involved keeping subjects awake for 24 hours, giving them either Tyrosine or a placebo and having them do performance tasks and mood evaulations. The Tyrosine patients were seen to have a decrease in the usual performance decline seen in sleep-deprived states compared to the placebo patients.
There are some researchers who believe that Tyrosine supplements may also be effective in helping to improve symptoms of depression. This is primarily due to the production of neurotransmitters like Dopamine which is thought to improve general mood.
However one clinical study comparing Tyrosine to imipramine found that supplemental Tyrosine did not have any antidepressant activity. More research is needed to corroborate or refute this finding.
It has been hypothesized that Tyrosine supplementation may also be beneficial in the maintenance of a healthy body weight. It is thought that by boosting levels of Norepinephrine and Epinephrine, this compound may be able to reduce stored fat and also acts as an appetite suppressant. Studies on this have been limited and often not studying the effects of Tyrosine alone (combination supplements used), and more research is needed in this area.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive database has rated supplemental Tyrosine as Effective for helping people with Phenylketonuria (a genetic condition where phenylalanine cannot be metabolized) maintain tyrosine levels. It has also been rated as Possibly Effective for enhancing cognitive performance, improving memory, and improving alertness following sleep deprivation.
More research still needs to be done to determine the effects supplemental Tyrosine may have in the body. As an amino acid, Tyrosine is available as a dietary supplement in the US. The FDA has not approved Tyrosine as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.
Tyrosine Dosage and Side Effects
Clinical studies and research indicate that Tyrosine can be consumed in amounts up to 12 grams per day. Of course, taking doses this high is not recommended except on the advice of a physician.
The generally accepted daily range seems to be between 1 and 5 grams. This is a general guideline only, and your personal dosage may vary. Dosages may be divided into even administrations several times per day in order to maintain a consistent supply in the system.
While Tyrosine supplements are very well-tolerated and generally recognized as safe, there are some side effects and interactions to consider.
The main side effects seem to be migraine headaches and upset stomach and intestinal discomfort. Incidentally, these are also more commonly reported when higher doses are used.
There are certain diseases or conditions which may make Tyrosine supplementation problematic.
Those who have hyperthyroidism or Graves’ Disease should not take this supplement. Those who take MAOI’s should also avoid Tyrosine due to concerns about rapid increases in blood pressure (which could cause possible heart attacks or strokes). You would also want to avoid this supplement in combination with L-Dopa (typical Parkinson’s treatment) and synthetic thyroid hormones.
Tyrosine Review
Many “brain hackers” will use Tyrosine as the foundation of their nootropic stack, but it also is reported to work well with the Racetams and Noopept. If you are interested in possibly enhancing the effects of Tyrosine, then you may want to consider stacking it with Aniracetam and Citicoline for a synergistic effect.
Tyrosine is an impressive supplement that may offer a range of nootropic effects. It is used to improve the mood, enhance concentration, and to give a mental energy boost. While Tyrosine is generally safe, you should be aware of the possible interactions and also start with a low dosage.
It is always recommended that you speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements to determine if it is right for your needs and to help figure out an appropriate dosage and any possible interactions.
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Article last updated on: March 16th, 2018 by Nootriment
17 Comments
Listen folks, please be careful with this one. If you have a genetic SNP involving your MAO enzyme, this can be a very dangerous supplement. I in fact have a homozygous SNP on MAO-A, and cannot process certain foods that are high in tyramine, such as aged cheese, red wine, fermented foods, aged meat, etc. I can get severe headaches and other symptoms. Some people experience extreme anxiety, irritability, high bp, even seizures. It can be fatal, causing stroke and other life-threatening conditions. Tyrosine is converted to tyramine. You can also get dangerous levels of certain neurotransmitters this way, and if your MAO is impaired, you can’t clear them fast enough. So please proceed with caution, especially if you don’t know your genetics. One person’s nourishment is another’s poison.
Tomar tirosina puede provocar problemas en el Tiroides si eres una persona sin ningún problema médico.
Tyrosine has bee great for lifting my mood and giving me better focus and productivity. The effects of Tyrosine are a bit milder compared to Mucuna, but I like it for giving a long, steady surge in energy and not too intense over stimulation.
I have Parkinsons. Instead of taking drugs and more drugs (Rytary and Requip), I would like to take mucuna and the appropriate supplements: i.e., 5-HTP, Tyrosine, cysteine and whatever else i need. I have a neurologist, but he isn’t familiar with these natural products. Do you know how i go about substituting the natural products for the drugs? Your help would be so very appreciated!
THANK YOU. sharon lloyd
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3068871/#!po=24.4318
THIS GIVES THE PROTOCOL ON THIS LINK. I DO IT FOR MY HUSBAND
A question? Can I take tyrosine say 500tablets twice a week only? This is to improve my bravery riding my horse. I am 76years. How long does it take for the tablets to work? Thankyou
I started taking Tyrosine when I was weaning off of Hyromorphone ( Dillauded ) . I had 26 bowel and hernia surgeries over the past 4 years , and was on narcorics for pain more then I was off them . It took me about 6 months to wean off the narcs. I read a lot of Tyrosine blogs were as people were taking this when coming off of drugs or alcohol , and of course I was a little sceptical at first . But , after taking this just after a few days , I was feeling much better , more energy, more alert , and not so groggy . I take 2 500mg every morning 1st thing on an empty stomach .
I’m totally clean off the narcs , and still take the Tyrosine . Works for me .
Can I take this supplement (l-tyrosine) with dopa mucuna and l-5-htp daily without any negative side effects?
Some times I get brain fog when I use this at high dosages. I started taking it to make me feel MORE alert, but once I go over a dosage of 3g I get foggy and its hard to concentrate. Need to figure out the best dose timing… I usually take 3 doses a day since the effects have a short half-life, but then they can start to wear off which is why I end up taking more.
Since the acetylated form of tyrosine is better for reaching the brain and crossing the BBB, I am deciding between NALT and Acetyl L-Tyrosine right now.
Can anyone who has used them tell me if there are any differences of effects that one would notice? Do they all produce the same effects but just need lower dosages of the acetylated ones?
I’ve heard that this can help with weight losss. any research on this?
Is it more beneficial to use Tyrosine or Phenylalanine as a dopamine booster?
I would like to hear an answer as it seems they are very similar
Do not take tyrosine for no reason. I took tyrosine to try its effect. I did not notice anything else than causing me a very disturbed and irregular heart rate, perhaps because it was opposed to one of my thyroid hormones.
Hi Mohammed, thanks for your feedback.
You mentioned, “because it was opposed to one of my thyroid hormones”. Are you currently taking thyroid medication? Tyrosine can interact with medications used to treat thyroid disorders.
I am currently withdrawing from suboxone, it’s my 4th day since the last .5 mg dose..I did a short taper from 2mg. I’ve been on subs for several months so I am anticipating a long withdrawal. I have been taking a low dose of xanax and clonodine just to get through the first few worst days so I want to start taking supplements such as this Tyrosine.. also to avoid taking other narcotics to get by to achieve abstinence. However I am trying to conceive and may have to go through IVF procedures to get pregnant. Is it safe for me to take the DLPA now? If not are there any other supplements with the same benefits that are safe to take while trying to concieve/pregnant? I read that high does of liposomal vitamin c can help opiate withdrawals as well. Thanks any feedback would help, I am going to consult with my psychiatrist too
Tyrosine***
Wirkt das tyrosin dem 5htp entgegen? die beiden Aminosäuren sollen Konkurrenten sein hab ich gerade gelesen
Danke