Description
Summary
Table of Contents
In humans, tyrosine helps the brain build neurotransmitters known as catecholamines, which include dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. [1]
L Tyrosine Benefits and Effects
Improving Working Memory
Tyrosine supplements can help replenish neurotransmitters necessary for maintaining working memory. [2] Therefore, some students like to take L tyrosine for studying.
Assisting the Thyroid
In studies of rats with thyroid deficiencies, subjects given tyrosine supplements performed better on cognitive tasks. [3]
Boosting Dopamine Levels
Taking tyrosine may also increase dopamine production when needed; however, the effect is temporary since taking L tyrosine in high doses can slow neuronal firing. [4]
Improving Stress Resistance
Rats who were given tyrosine injections before being subjected to electric shock maintained consistent norepinephrine levels and demonstrated no resulting cognitive deficits. [5]
Managing Attention Deficit Disorders
In one study testing the link between L tyrosine and ADHD, eight of 12 patients saw improvements following two weeks of tyrosine supplementation. However, those patients developed a tyrosine tolerance after six just weeks, so more research is needed on L tyrosine and ADD. [6]
Treating Depression
In several small scale studies, tyrosine decreased symptoms of depression better than a placebo. [7] A larger study yielded mixed results, but the researchers posited that tyrosine is likely most effective at treating depression stemming from dopamine and norepinephrine deficiencies. [8]
Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Since Parkinson’s affects dopamine-producing neurons, tyrosine could help prevent progression of the condition. [9]
Increased Inhibition
In a study of humans, subjects given tyrosine injections performed better on a stop-signal task than a control group. [10]
How L Tyrosine Works
L Tyrosine
The human body naturally produces tyrosine as a precursor to dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. Thus, taking L tyrosine nootropic supplements can help the brain replenish these neurotransmitters as they get used up. [1]
L Tyrosine Energy
Tyrosine may only improve physical or cognitive performance in circumstances where catecholamine levels are being depleted. [12]
Dosage
Standard dosing has yet to be established, but online L tyrosine reviews suggest taking 500-2000mg prior to an acute stressor. For best results, tyrosine should be taken 30-60 minutes before exercising or performing a mentally demanding tasks. It can be taken 2-3 times per day.
Side Effects
Taking L tyrosine long term appears to be safe for adults, but it’s not recommended to take L tyrosine during pregnancy. You should also avoid mixing L tyrosine and alcohol.
Unwanted weight gain as well as stiffness in the shoulders and neck have also been reported. [13]
L Tyrosine Drug Interactions
While L tyrosine has shown promise for treating Parkinson’s disease, it can interfere with some Parkinson’s treatments. [14] Likewise, although some people take L tyrosine for thyroid hormone production, combining tyrosine supplements with thyroid hormone pills can actually lead to hyperthyroidism. [15]
Ask your doctor about L tyrosine’s interactions with other medications you’re currently taking.
Stacks
Taking tyrosine along with the tryptophan supplement 5-HTP can help combat depression since 5-HTP boosts serotonin, another neurotransmitter that affects mood. [13]
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