subject: What Is L-tyrosine? [print this page] Tyrosine is one of the 20 amino acids that are used by cells to synthesize proteins. It is a nonessential amino acid the body makes from another amino acid called phenylalanine The word "tyrosine" came from the Greek word tyri, meaning cheese, for it was discovered in the cheese protein casein in 1846 by Justus von Liebig a German Chemist.
Tyrosine is a building block for several important neurotransmitters, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells communicate and influence mood. Tyrosine also helps produce melanin (the pigment responsible for hair and skin color) and helps in the function of organs responsible for making and regulating hormones, including the adrenal, thyroid, and pituitary glands. It is involved in the structure of almost every protein in the body.
Source:
Tyrosine is synthesized from another amino acid phenylalanine which can be found in many high protein food products such as soy products, chicken, turkey, fish, peanuts, almonds, avocados, milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, lima beans, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds. It can also be obtained through supplementation.
Benefits:
Reduce stress, improves mental alertness and mood. Tyrosine supports and assists neurotransmitters in the brain. Tyrosine prevents the decline in various aspects of performance and mood associated with many kinds of acute stress. Tyrosine may act as an adaptogen, helping the body adapt to and cope with the effects of physical or psychological stress by minimizing the symptoms brought on by stress. Tyrosine is involved in the synthesis of enkephalins (pronounced en-keff-a-lins), substances that have pain-relieving effects. Some animal and human studies suggest that tyrosine supplements may help improve memory.
Sports. Some athletes use tyrosine boost their performance. However, there is no proof that this claim is true or safe.
Weight Loss. L-tyrosine can play an important role for dieters because l-tyrosine is also a precursor to the thyroid hormone thyroxine (also known as T4) supplementation may have a positive effect on thyroid hormone levels which may contribute to an increased metabolic rate. It is also known to be an appetite suppressant.
Dosage
The standard recommended L-tyrosine dose is about 1000 milligrams for achieving mental and physical boost. This translates to about one or two tyrosine tablets a day and one or two teaspoons daily. L-tyrosine supplements should be taken before meals, preferably 30 minutes before, and divided into two or three doses daily. Tyrosine supplements are best taken as a multivitamin-mineral complex mainly because vitamins B6, B9, folic acid and the copper mineral help in the conversion of L-tyrosine into the important brain chemicals, which are most useful.
Side Effects
L-tyrosine supplements should be taken with caution as it results to various side effects. It should not be taken by people who take stimulants as tyrosine can increase sensitivity to it. It must also be avoided by patients with melanoma as it may have detrimental effects on the enzyme melanin. Some patients have reported minor side effects in taking tyrosine supplements, including headaches, migraine, indigestion, stomach trouble and gastrointestinal upset.
