L-Tyrosine is a popular dietary supplement that helps in mood, memory, building muscle and weight loss. It also helps boost thyroid hormones, cognition, and mood. It is a type of amino acid used to produce dopamine and noradrenaline. 

L-Tyrosine is a naturally occurring form of tyrosine. It is considered to be strictly by definition a non-essential amino acid, because the body can make it from other components but in modern age that we live in sometimes this is not so forthcoming. The body uses it to produce proteins, neurotransmitters, and other important compounds. Aside from this, it also plays a role in metabolism and boosting endurance for better brain function.

Tyrosine is found in many foods including cheese, where it was first discovered. The word tyrosine comes from the Greek word “tyros” which means “cheese”. It is easy to get L-tyrosine from the following:

• Chicken
• Tofu
• Red meat
• Fish, particularly (tuna and salmon)
• White beans
• Wild rice
• Eggs
• Pork chops
• Milk

In this blog, you will learn more about L-Tyrosine and its known benefits. With our simple guide, it would be your final judgement if you should include L-Tyrosine in your health and fitness journey or not!

How does L-Tyrosine affect the body?

 

L-Tyrosine plays an important role in the body, which includes:

• Dopamine precursor

Dopamine is the chemical that is responsible for the pleasure centers of the nervous system and the brain. It is also vital for motor skills and memory.

• Thyroid Hormones precursor

Thyroid hormones help regulate your metabolism.

• Melanin

Melanin is the chemical that gives your skin pigment. Those who have lighter skin have less melanin, while those with darker skin have more melanin. 

• Adrenaline & Noradrenaline Precusor

Have you been in danger before and suddenly your fight or flight kicks in? Adrenaline and noradrenaline are hormones that trigger your fight or flight response in case you are in danger to prepare you for a possible threat or attack,

As you can see, L-Tyrosine increases the levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine—which help increase athletic performance. This can help you reach your fitness goals. Additionally, L-Tyrosine can improve memory and mental performance and help boost happiness while diminishing biochemically depressive conditions and anxiety . 

12 Health Benefits of L-Tyrosine

1) Mental Alertness

In a study that conducted 15 clinical trials on the effect of L-Tyrosine on behaviour and cognition, they noticed that mental function was improved during demanding and stressful situations. 

In another study, women who took L-tyrosine supplements displayed increased working memory when faced with complicated tasks compared to those who took a placebo.

Based on studies and clinical trials, L-tyrosine has been beneficial for those who are suffering from mental decline and those who are dealing with stressful situations.

2) Boosts Exercise Performance

For athletes or those who work out regularly, we have good news for you! Studies have proven that L-tyrosine increases endurance and energy. 

There was a clinical trial that made athletes take L-tyrosine supplements regularly in the form of a drink. These people showed a performance improvement even in extreme conditions. 

3) Improves Brain Function

In a study, those who take L-tyrosine showed improvements in focus compared to those who took a placebo. 

4) Weight Loss

Many supplements promote weight loss in the market, however, none of them is supported by strong clinical evidence. Tyrosine supplies thyroid hormones and catecholamines—which improves metabolism and energy. 

Taking tyrosine combined with tryptophan green tea, cayenne, calcium, and caffeine can help reduce body fat. 

However, there are Weight loss reports are generally considered to be anecdotal as clinically double-blind placebo studies have not been done.

5) Phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a serious genetic condition that causes a defect in the gene that helps produce the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. Without this enzyme, you will become tyrosine deficient and your body is unable to break down phenylalanine—causing it to build up in your body.

People with PKU can benefit from tyrosine because its made from phenylalanine. 

6) Memory

There have been studies that show that L-tyrosine helps maintain memory in stressful conditions like multitasking. 

7) Coping with Addiction and Substance Withdrawal

An important role that dopamine plays is being the central role in the brain’s reward pathway. In a recent study, they suggested that dopamine doesn’t make us feel pleasure, rather it makes us want it. People suffering from addiction  (sex, gambling, alcohol, drugs ) may be depleting this pathway, causing them to crave and seek more. 

In a study involving 83 former heroin addicts, they were asked to take L-tyrosine and other neurotransmitter precursors have shown drastic improvement in withdrawal symptoms. 

(you should also try taking N-acetylcysteine NAC in conjunction with this)

8) Narcolepsy

People with narcolepsy struggle to stay awake during the day. Common problems they experience sleep paralysis and cataplexy. Since L-tyrosine helps release dopamine and noradrenaline, these hormones prevent cataplexy. Therefore, L-tyrosine helps reduce muscle weakness and daytime bouts to sleep.

(Note do not take Tyra scene at night time because it will disturb your sleep)

9) Alzheimer’s Disease

If L-tyrosine is combined with tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan can help fight dementia that can result from Alzheimer’s disease.

10) Skin Wrinkles and Sun Damage

Topical formulations that contain vitamin C, L-tyrosine and other compounds reduce sun-damaged skin and wrinkles. 

11) Thyroid Hormones Balance

Taking tyrosine supplements prevent thyroid hormone drops. However, keep in mind that you should avoid L-tyrosine if you have thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism or Grave disease since taking it could increase thyroid levels.

12) Improves Mood

L-tyrosine help release dopamine or the so-called happy hormone. In a clinical trial done on healthy individuals, evidence shows that tyrosine Has the potential to improve mood in stressful conditions. 

L-tyrosine Side Effects

L-tyrosine is safe when taken in proper doses. There are only a few ill effects from taking L-tyrosine supplements including fatigue, nausea, headache, and heartburn and staying awak when when you need to sleep.

However, if you’re taking the following medications, it is best to consult your doctor first

• Thyroid Hormone
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Levodopa (L-dopa)

 

Disclaimer
Information provided by this article and our company is not a substitute for direct, individual medical treatment or advice. It is the responsibility of you and your healthcare providers to make all decisions regarding your health.