L-Tyrosine Facts

Tyrosine is 1 of the 20 types of amino acids that are being used to synthesize proteins by cells. This nonessential amino acid has a polar group on one side. The name tyrosine comes from the Greek word “tyri” which means cheese as it had been discovered by Justin von Liebig, a German chemist, in 1846 from the casein protein found on cheese. The L-Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid which means that our body is able to produce this on its own. It is a neurotransmitter which means that it acts as a messenger chemical to our body's over 100 billion of brain cells and nerves. It helps to form 3 important neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are responsible in our memory functions, mood, muscular coordination as well as appetite. Studies done clinically have shown that the L-Tyrosine supplements are able to help with the heightened mood, anxiety and depression in just a few weeks of intake. It can also help in fighting fatigue as well as irritability.

How L-Tyrosine Works

It helps in forming the neurotransmitters that is used by our body to assist in alertness and with elevated or arousal of mood. When taken together with other herbs & nutrients, its mood elevating properties are enhanced. The Serotonin is also involved with the perception of a person's well being. The dopamine helps in our emotions, hormonal releases and motor function. The norepinephrine involves in our hormonal release and motor function.

Possible Benefits of L-Tyrosine

It reduces the anxiety, depression and stress. It elevates our mood and gives us a good sense of well being. It increases our arousal and alertness. It facilitates in the body's motor function as well as muscular coordination. It fights irritability and fatigue as well as regulating the hormonal release.

Some other benefits of L-tyrosine include calming the body, enhanced libido and increase in energy. It's also converted to melanin by our skin pigment to protect our skin from the harmful radiation or UV rays. It is thought that l-tyrosine has an effect on several conditions such as with Parkinson's disease and other mood disorders. For people with these conditions, the supplements may actually be useful for them. Also, studies have shown that L-tyrosine can also be beneficial for people suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Medical Use of L-Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a forerunner to neurotransmitters and it increases the plasma neurotransmitter level especially with norepinephrine and dopamine but it has minimal effect on our mood. The mood effect is noticeable more to people who are in a stressful conditions (please see below).

Studies have shown that tyrosine is useful with conditions of fatigue, stress, grief, cold and deprivation of sleep or due to prolonged work, with reductions in hormone stress levels, stress induced diet or weight loss as seen through trials done with animals, with the physical and cognitive performance as seen with the human trials. This is because the tyrosine hydroxylase acts as the limiting enzyme whose effects are more insignificant as compared to the l-dopa.

Tyrosine and phenylalanine are prescribed sometimes as antidepressants but usually with a combination of other herbs or nutrients have has properties for mood elevation. Several doctors are also recommending that these amino acids support in the control of appetite. Diet Rx can be considered if you are interested in suppressing your diet. It's a formula of natural herbs. The Phenylalanine triggers the release of hormones for suppressing appetite in our gut and this is cold the cholecystokinin. People who have taken either of the amino acids have noticed their improved alertness as well as mood, arousal and reduction of their appetite. I have several patients who take occasionally a small amount of these amino acids about 100 to 250mg of it in the morning instead of taking coffee. The side effects of tyrosine can happen with high doses which is limiting its usefulness. See the paragraphs below for the complete list of the potential side effects of tyrosine.

Tyrosine doesn't seem to be causing any significant mood effect or in our physical or cognitive performance during normal circumstances. With a daily dose during the clinical test, it supports that 100 mg/kg of adult weight or about 6.8 grams for a 150 lb person as supported by literature is proven. The normal dosage of 500 to 1500 mg a day as suggested by manufacturers is usually equivalent to 1 up to 3 of the capsules of pure tyrosine. It's not recommended to take more than 12,000 mg of it a day. In fact, if you take too high dosage of tyrosine, this results in a lower level of dopamine. It can also decrease the other amino acid absorption if taken in high dosage. It also would decrease the absorption of l-dopa.

Drug Detoxification

Tyrosine is appearing to be a good addition to the treatment of cocaine abuse and the withdrawal from it. It can be used with conjunction to other amino acids like tryptophan. Evidence in the clinical aspect remains scarce but a lot of evidence from people's online accounts who used tyrosine on its own or with combination with the B6 vitamin to fight the post-opiate withdrawal depression shows good result. Most of them reported that the effective dose is at 1500 to 4000 mgs per day taken on an empty stomach and upon waking up in the morning. Some people who used tyrosine also reports nicotine and caffeine withdrawal.

Usage Guidelines

The recommended daily allowance for the l-tyrosine supplement is not yet established. Though a lot of people who are taking l-tyrosine recommend 500 to 1500 mgs a day. In some instances a person may take a higher dose but you must discuss this with your health practitioner or doctor.

Natural Sources of L-Tyrosine

Tyrosine which is synthesized from phenylalanine by our body is found in a lot of high protein products like chicken, soy, turkey, peanuts, fish, almonds, milk, avocado, yogurt, cheese, lima beans, cottage cheese, sesame and pumpkin seeds. It can also be taken as a supplement.

L-Tyrosine Side Effects

For most people, the supplement of l-tyrosine is not necessary but with certain conditions related to l-tyrosine deficiency can benefit from taking 100mg/2.2 lbs of human body weight. The side effects of l-tyrosine is quite uncommon as long as it's taken in a limited time. It's not yet clear what a long term use and with large amounts would affect the health. With this in mind, it is advised that if you experience the side effects of l-tyrosine that you should stop taking it. It's also very important to take note that l-tyrosine can also interact with some medications. You must consult with your physician if you are taking prescription drugs and discuss about the possible effects of l-tyrosine and its interaction with the drug you are also taking.