L-Tyrosine: Benefits, Side Effects and Dosages Guide

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.

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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L-Tyrosine Effects

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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