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 supplement is thought to be particularly helpful in a number of processes within the body, including influencing the production of a number of neurotransmitters.
Motivation
Mental Focus
Mood- Supports energy & motivation
- Promotes focus & mental clarity
- Improves mood & stress response
L-Tyrosine Effects:
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The next question to answer is how this supplement works within the human body.
For starters, Tyrosine is created 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 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 hormone such as Melanin. This is a pigment that is responsible for skin and hair color.
The supplement 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.
Top Tyrosine Supplements
Tyrosine Benefits:
One of the most interesting potential benefits of Tyrosine is that it is effective at reducing stress levels. This is related to the production of stress hormones Epinephrine and Norepinephrine.
A number of studies have borne this out, finding that Tyrosine is 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, although more research is needed.
Many Tyrosine reviews attest to the fact that this supplement enhances mental performance and intellectual capacity.
This supplement may also be effective in helping to prevent depression. This is primarily due to the production of neurotransmitters like Dopamine which is thought to improve general mood.
It is also thought to improve the overall quality of nerve impulses and transmissions. Dopamine may even play a role in sex drive, libido and motivation. Tyrosine supplementation is also beneficial in the maintenance of a healthy body weight.
By boosting levels of Norepinephrine and Epinephrine, this compound is able to reduce stored fat and also is an effective appetite suppressant.
Tyrosine Dosage:
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 may be divided into even administrations several times per day in order to maintain a consistent supply in the system.
- Increases energy and motivation
- Promotes focus and mental clarity
- Improves mood and symptoms of depression
Tyrosine Side Effects:
While this supplement is 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 disease or conditions which 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:
Tyrosine is an impressive supplement that also offers a range of nootropic effects. It can improve your mood, enhance concentration and give you a significant energy boost.
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 the anti-anxiety effects of Tyrosine, consider stacking it with Aniracetam and Citicoline for best results.
While Tyrosine is generally safe, you should be aware of the possible interactions and also start with a low dosage. Tyrosine can improve both your brain function as well as your whole body health in a natural yet robust manner.
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7 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
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?