Home » Misc » How long for l tyrosine to kick in

How long for l tyrosine to kick in


Everything you need to know – NF Sports

Sorting through health and fitness supplements can be complicated. People now talk about these things as if they were scientists. In turning to something like L-Tyrosine, it can feel like people are talking the language of chemists more than that of people who exercise. 

L-Tyrosine is a popular dietary supplement that is thought to help with everything from building muscle to simple weight loss. L-Tyrosine is an amino acid, and to that end, it is likely to help with anything that requires the building blocks of muscles. 

As an amino acid, one would assume L-Tyrosine would play a substantial role in building muscle. But the facts are that L-Tyrosine does much more. L-Tyrosine plays some important roles in the body and metabolism. From boosting endurance to better brain function, L-tyrosine has many important health benefits. 

As we explore the facts of L-Tyrosine and the benefits of L-Tyrosine, we will also look into just how effective it can be. This guide is designed to give you the best information on L-Tyrosine so you can make the right decisions for including it as part of your regimen of health and fitness supplements. 

What is L-Tyrosine?

L-Tyrosine is one of 20 amino acids. L-Tyrosine is what is called a non-essential amino acid, which means that it can be synthesized by the body, and we do not necessarily need to get L-Tyrosine from dietary sources. 

Chemically, L-Tyrosine is called 4-hydroxyphenylalanine. As a non-essential amino acid, L-Tyrosine contains a specific side group that gives it a unique molecular structure. The prefix tyros are from Greek which means cheese. The person who first isolated L-Tyrosine found it in casein which is a cheese by-product. 

The primary functions of L-Tyrosine in the body are to help produce catecholamines like dopamine and adrenaline. L-Tyrosine is also important to the proper function of the thyroid. The connection to the function of the thyroid leads to one of the important uses of L-Tyrosine as a supplement for weight loss and weight control.  

What is L-Tyrosine used for?

In the body, L-Tyrosine is crucial for making some important substances. These include:

Dopamine

This is a chemical that regulates the pleasure centers of the brain and nervous system. It is also important for memory and motor skills. 

Adrenaline and noradrenaline

These hormones trigger the fight or flight response in the body. They make you ready for a perceived attack or threat. 

Thyroid hormones

The thyroid regulates your entire metabolism. 

Melanin

This is the chemical that gives pigment to the skin. Dark-skinned people have more melanin than light-skinned people. 

Given these biological functions of L-Tyrosine, we have found that it also works as an exercise and fitness supplement since making use of some of these functions can accentuate the goals of exercise and weight loss. 

For instance, by increasing levels of dopamine, adrenaline, and norepinephrine, you can increase performance in athletic endeavors.  

The effects of L-Tyrosine supplements in neurotransmitters can also potentially increase memory and mental performance. 

The benefits of L-Tyrosine include:

Improved brain function

There is current research that shows that L-tyrosine can help improve brain function. For example, one study that tracked the effects of L-tyrosine supplements on healthy college students found that those who had taken the supplement demonstrated marked improvements in memory and focus over test subjects who had been given a placebo. 

The results of these studies are being tested to see the effects of L-tyrosine on people who are living with cognitive degeneration as a result of things like Alzheimer's disease. 

Exercise performance

L-tyrosine has been shown to provide increased energy and endurance. This is great for all athletes and for anyone who works out regularly. These results are especially encouraging for endurance athletes like runners.  

One study showed that people who took L-tyrosine supplements in the form of a drink as part of the regular training and exercise programs had increased endurance. These test subjects were able to continue to perform at top levels even in extreme conditions like heat. 

Helps you deal with stressful situations

Researchers have discovered the L-tyrosine helps improve what is called cognitive flexibility. This is the brain’s capacity to switch between thoughts and tasks with efficiency. The reason some situations become stressful is that you are forced to quickly switch between one thought or task. This leads to an overload. 

In studies in which people took L-tyrosine supplements and were put through test situations that demanded cognitive flexibility, people were able to maintain working memory and concentration better than those who did not take L-tyrosine. 

Another study that focused on women found that those who took the L-tyrosine supplements demonstrated increased working memory when confronted with difficult and complicated tasks over others who took a placebo.  

These studies led researchers to explore the potential for L-tyrosine for those who suffer from mental decline. This research demonstrated that L-tyrosine significantly reversed declines in short-term memory, especially in stressful or demanding situations. 

Other potential uses:

Much of the research on L-tyrosine is in the early stages. But because L-tyrosine has been found to provide benefits for the body and the brain, researchers have begun to explore other areas and conditions that may be treated with L-tyrosine supplements. The conditions in which L-tyrosine shows promise include:

Alcohol use disorder

The early research shows that L-tyrosine may help treat alcohol use disorder when taken with other vitamins and nutrients. There is already evidence that L-tyrosine may help alleviate some of the symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol.   

Cocaine use disorder

The preliminary research has shown that L-tyrosine taken in the morning and tryptophan taken at night can help fight the withdrawal and cravings that come from cocaine use disorder.  

Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases that cause dementia

Studies indicate that a combination of L-tyrosine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, and carbidopa work to combat dementia that results from Alzheimer's disease. 

High blood pressure

Some early indicators show a link between L-tyrosine and reduced blood pressure. 

Excessive daytime sleepiness or narcolepsy

Research has shown that L-tyrosine can fight narcolepsy. Many people who were given an L-tyrosine supplement showed reduced symptoms. 

Schizophrenia

The research shows that people who suffer from schizophrenia respond positively and show fewer symptoms after taking a combination of L-tyrosine and a common drug called molindone. These results were much better than what doctors observed in people who took molindone alone. 

Skin wrinkles and damage from the sun

Studies show that a topical preparation that contains L-tyrosine, vitamin C, and several other compounds significantly reduces skin wrinkles and sun-damaged skin.   

The results of these studies lead researchers to explore the potential benefits of L-tyrosine for other serious conditions. These include:

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
  • Erectile dysfunction (ED).
  • Heart disease.
  • Obesity.
  • Parkinson disease.
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
  • Stress.
  • Withdrawal from heroin, morphine, and other opioid drugs.

Sources of L-Tyrosine

It is fairly easy to get plenty of L-tyrosine from dietary sources. The basic recommended levels of L-tyrosine can be obtained from the following sources:

  • Red meat
  • Pork chops
  • Fish (particularly fish such as salmon and tuna)
  • Chicken
  • Tofu
  • Milk
  • White beans
  • Seeds like pumpkin and squash seeds
  • Wild rice
  • Eggs

There are also effective L-tyrosine supplements available. These come in both pills and capsules. The Pre-workout supplement from NF Sports is an ideal supplement that contains ample quantities of L-tyrosine.  

How long does L-Tyrosine take to work?

L-tyrosine from natural dietary sources enters your metabolism in the same way that all nutrients do. To get the benefits from dietary sources you need to simply allow the work of the digestive system and metabolic processes to do their thing. 

L-tyrosine from supplements goes directly into your metabolism. As a pre-workout supplement, you will begin to see benefits within minutes of taking the supplement. In the form of a nutrition drink or supplement, L-tyrosine is almost immediately available to your muscles and your mind.  

How much l-tyrosine to take?

The form of L-tyrosine used in supplements is an amino acid called N-acetyl L-tyrosine (NALT). This form is water-soluble and readily available to the metabolism, but it has a low rate of absorption. This means you need to take higher doses to get real benefits. 

Tyrosine supplements are usually taken at doses as high as 500-2000 mg. The best result comes when these are taken 3-60 minutes before working out.  

If you are taking L-tyrosine to improve mental performance or to enhance cognitive flexibility you can take slightly different doses. Mental acuity can be gained with 45-68 mg per pound of body weight. If you weigh 150 pounds, and L-tyrosine supplement of 7- 10 grams per day is plenty. 

A general breakdown of dosage for specific purposes is below:

  • Alertness: 150 mg per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) split into two doses following the loss of sleep.
  • Memory: 150 mg/kg to 300 mg/kg taken before a memory task
  • Mental Performance: 100 mg/kg to 300 mg/kg taken before a stressful mental task.

L-Tyrosine side effects

L-tyrosine is recognized as safe by the FDA. When taken in proper doses there are few ill-effects from L-tyrosine supplements. Some people have experienced headaches, nausea, fatigue, and heartburn while taking L-tyrosine supplements. 

However, L-tyrosine can interact with some medications in ways that are potentially dangerous.  

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

MAOIs are medications frequently prescribed to help control depression. As an amino acid, L-tyrosine is involved in the regulation of blood pressure. MAOIs have been shown to interfere with enzymes that help break down excess L-tyrosine. This can lead to a dangerous interaction between excess tyrosine and MAOIs which can lead to spikes in blood pressure. 

Thyroid hormone

Two important thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are necessary to regulate growth and metabolism. L-tyrosine supplements can increase levels of T3 and T4. If you are taking thyroid medications, L-tyrosine supplement may lead to dangerous interactions because of increased levels of T3 and T4. 

Levodopa (L-dopa)

Levodopa, or L-dopa, is a common medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease. L-tyrosine competes with L-dopa for absorption in the small intestine. As are a result, taking an L-tyrosine supplement may inhibit the effectiveness of L-dopa to address Parkinson’s disease.  

You can still take L-tyrosine supplements if you also take L-dopa. However, you should space the timing between the two chemicals by several hours.  

Conclusion

It is easy to get lost in the science of nutrition and workout supplements. So many of these things appear to be so complex that you need a physician to sort through them. L-tyrosine is one such supplement. 

However, things get simpler and more accessible when we understand that L-tyrosine is simply an amino acid and another basic nutrient. L-tyrosine is one of 20 amino acids that our bodies make ourselves. 

We also get plenty of L-tyrosine in many of the foods most of us eat. Meat, chicken, and white beans contain solid amounts of L-tyrosine. The truth behind L-tyrosine is that most of us get it in our diets regularly.

But L-tyrosine is also a powerful workout and nutrition supplement. In its purified form and taken in pill or capsule forms, L-tyrosine provides extra energy and endurance for intense workouts.  

What is more, L-tyrosine boosts your brainpower. There is solid scientific evidence to show that L-tyrosine enhances memory and makes it easier to think fast. These are boosts most of us can use. 

Some benefits can help people who live with serious illnesses. Because of its ability to boost brain function, L-tyrosine may be useful in treating things like neurodegenerative disorders.

Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage

Tyrosine is a popular dietary supplement used to improve alertness, attention and focus.

It produces important brain chemicals that help nerve cells communicate and may even regulate mood (1).

Despite these benefits, supplementing with tyrosine can have side effects and interact with medications.

This article tells you all you need to know about tyrosine, including its benefits, side effects and recommended dosages.

What Is Tyrosine and What Does It Do?

Tyrosine is an amino acid that is naturally produced in the body from another amino acid called phenylalanine.

It’s found in many foods, especially in cheese, where it was first discovered. In fact, “tyros” means “cheese” in Greek (2).

It is also found in chicken, turkey, fish, dairy products and most other high-protein foods (3).

Tyrosine helps make several important substances, including (4):

  • Dopamine: Dopamine regulates your reward and pleasure centers. This important brain chemical is also important for memory and motor skills (5).
  • Adrenaline and noradrenaline: These hormones are responsible for the fight-or-flight response to stressful situations. They prepare the body to “fight” or “flee” from a perceived attack or harm (5).
  • Thyroid hormones: Thyroid hormones are produced by the thyroid gland and primarily responsible for regulating metabolism (6).
  • Melanin: This pigment gives your skin, hair and eyes their color. Dark-skinned people have more melanin in their skin than light-skinned people (7).

It’s also available as a dietary supplement. You can purchase it alone or blended with other ingredients, such as in a pre-workout supplement.

Supplementing with tyrosine is thought to increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenaline and norepinephrine.

By increasing these neurotransmitters, it may help improve memory and performance in stressful situations (4).

Summary Tyrosine is an amino acid that the body produces from phenylalanine. Supplementing with it is thought to increase important brain chemicals, which affect your mood and stress response.

It May Improve Mental Performance in Stressful Situations

Stress is something that everyone experiences.

This stress can negatively affect your reasoning, memory, attention and knowledge by decreasing neurotransmitters (8, 9).

For example, rodents who were exposed to cold (an environmental stressor) had impaired memory due to a decline in neurotransmitters (10, 11).

However, when these rodents were given a tyrosine supplement, the decline in neurotransmitters was reversed and their memory was restored.

While rodent data does not necessarily translate to humans, human studies have found similar results.

In one study in 22 women, tyrosine significantly improved working memory during a mentally demanding task, compared to a placebo. Working memory plays an important role in concentration and following instructions (12).

In a similar study, 22 participants were given either a tyrosine supplement or placebo before completing a test used to measure cognitive flexibility. Compared to the placebo, tyrosine was found to improve cognitive flexibility (13).

Cognitive flexibility is the ability to switch between tasks or thoughts. The quicker a person can switch tasks, the greater their cognitive flexibility.

Additionally, supplementing with tyrosine has been shown to benefit those who are sleep deprived. A single dose of it helped people who lost a night’s sleep stay alert for three hours longer than they otherwise would (14).

What’s more, two reviews concluded that supplementing with tyrosine can reverse mental decline and improve cognition in short-term, stressful or mentally demanding situations (15, 16).

And while tyrosine may provide cognitive benefits, no evidence has suggested that it enhances physical performance in humans (16, 17, 18).

Lastly, no research suggests that supplementing with tyrosine in the absence of a stressor can improve mental performance. In other words, it won’t increase your brainpower.

Summary Studies show that tyrosine can help maintain your mental capacity when taken before a stressful activity. However, there is no evidence that supplementing with it can improve your memory.

It Might Help Those With Phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare genetic condition caused by a defect in the gene that helps create the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (19).

Your body uses this enzyme to convert phenylalanine into tyrosine, which is used to create neurotransmitters (4).

However, without this enzyme, your body cannot break down phenylalanine, causing it to build up in the body.

The primary way to treat PKU is to follow a special diet that limits foods containing phenylalanine (20).

However, because tyrosine is made from phenylalanine, people with PKU can become deficient in tyrosine, which can contribute to behavioral problems (21).

Supplementing with tyrosine may be a viable option for alleviating these symptoms, but the evidence is mixed.

In one review, researchers investigated the effects of tyrosine supplementation alongside or in place of a phenylalanine-restricted diet on intelligence, growth, nutritional status, mortality rates and quality of life (22).

The researchers analyzed two studies including 47 people but found no difference between supplementing with tyrosine and a placebo.

A review of three studies including 56 people also found no significant differences between supplementing with tyrosine and a placebo on the outcomes measured (23).

The researchers concluded that no recommendations could be made about whether tyrosine supplements are effective for the treatment of PKU.

Summary PKU is a serious condition that may cause tyrosine deficiency. More studies are needed before recommendations can be made about treating it with tyrosine supplements.

Evidence Regarding Its Effects on Depression Is Mixed

Tyrosine has also been said to help with depression.

Depression is thought to occur when the neurotransmitters in your brain become unbalanced. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to help realign and balance them (24).

Because tyrosine can increase the production of neurotransmitters, it’s claimed to act as an antidepressant (25).

However, early research doesn’t support this claim.

In one study, 65 people with depression received either 100 mg/kg of tyrosine, 2.5 mg/kg of a common antidepressant or a placebo each day for four weeks. Tyrosine was found to have no antidepressant effects (26).

Depression is a complex and varied disorder. This is likely why a food supplement like tyrosine is ineffective at combating its symptoms.

Nevertheless, depressed individuals with low levels of dopamine, adrenaline or noradrenaline may benefit from supplementing with tyrosine.

In fact, one study among individuals with dopamine-deficient depression noted that tyrosine provided clinically significant benefits (27).

Dopamine-dependent depression is characterized by low energy and a lack of motivation (27).

Until more research is available, the current evidence does not support supplementing with tyrosine to treat symptoms of depression (25).

Summary Tyrosine can be converted into neurotransmitters that affect mood. However, research doesn’t support supplementing with it to combat symptoms of depression.

Side Effects of Tyrosine

Tyrosine is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (28).

It has been supplemented safely at a dose of 68 mg per pound (150 mg per kg) of body weight per day for up to three months (15, 29, 30).

While tyrosine is safe for most people, it can cause side effects and interact with medications.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Tyramine is an amino acid that helps regulate blood pressure and is produced by the breakdown of tyrosine.

Tyramine accumulates in foods when tyrosine and phenylalanine are converted to tyramine by an enzyme in microorganisms (31).

Cheeses like cheddar and blue cheese, cured or smoked meats, soy products and beer contain high levels of tyramine (31).

Antidepressant medications known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) block the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down excess tyramine in the body (2, 32, 33).

Combining MAOIs with high-tyramine foods can increase blood pressure to a dangerous level.

However, it is unknown if supplementing with tyrosine may lead to a buildup of tyramine in the body, so caution is necessary for those taking MAOIs (34, 35).

Thyroid Hormone

The thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) help regulate growth and metabolism in the body.

It’s important that T3 and T4 levels are neither too high nor too low.

Supplementing with tyrosine may influence these hormones (36).

This is because tyrosine is a building block for the thyroid hormones, so supplementing with it might raise their levels too high.

Therefore, people who are taking thyroid medications or have an overactive thyroid should be cautious when supplementing with tyrosine.

Levodopa (L-dopa)

Levodopa (L-dopa) is a medication commonly used to treat Parkinson’s disease (37).

In the body, L-dopa and tyrosine compete for absorption in the small intestine, which can interfere with the drug’s effectiveness (38).

Thus, doses of these two drugs should be separated by several hours to avoid this.

Interestingly, tyrosine is being investigated for alleviating some of the symptoms associated with cognitive decline in older adults (38, 39).

Summary Tyrosine is safe for the majority of people. However, it may interact with certain medications.

How to Supplement With Tyrosine

As a supplement, tyrosine is available as a free-form amino acid or N-acetyl L-tyrosine (NALT).

NALT is more water-soluble than its free-form counterpart, but it has a low conversion rate to tyrosine in the body (40, 41).

This means that you would need a larger dose of NALT than tyrosine to get the same effect, making the free-form the preferred choice.

Tyrosine is commonly taken in doses of 500–2,000 mg 30–60 minutes before exercise, even though its benefits on exercise performance remains inconclusive (42, 43).

It does seem to be effective for preserving mental performance during physically stressful situations or periods of sleep deprivation when taken in doses ranging from 45–68 mg per pound (100–150 mg per kg) of body weight.

This would be 7–10 grams for a 150-pound (68. 2-kg) person.

These higher doses may cause gastrointestinal upset and be split into two separate doses, taken 30 and 60 minutes prior to a stressful event.

Summary Tyrosine as a free-form amino acid is the best form of the supplement. Its greatest anti-stress effects have been observed when it’s taken in doses of 45-68 mg per pound (100–150 mg per kg) of body weight about 60 minutes before a stressful event.

The Bottom Line

Tyrosine is a popular dietary supplement used for a variety of reasons.

In the body, it’s used to make neurotransmitters, which tend to decrease under periods of stressful or mentally demanding situations.

There is good evidence that supplementing with tyrosine replenishes these important neurotransmitters and improves mental function, compared to a placebo.

Supplementing with it has been shown to be safe, even in high doses, but has the potential to interact with certain medications, warranting caution.

While tyrosine has many benefits, their significance remains unclear until more evidence is available.

✒ Tyrosine - Benefits, Side Effects & Dosage - [SAYYES]


Tyrosine is a popular dietary supplement used to improve alertness and concentration. This substance is used in the human brain to carry out a number of important chemical processes, transmit nerve impulses, and regulate mood.

Although tyrosine has several benefits, some medications may cause side effects when used with tyrosine. In order to avoid misuse of this supplement, below we will review its basic information, recommendations for use, and potential risks associated with its abuse.

What is tyrosine and what does it do? The first compound is found in common products available to everyone. However, its greatest amount is observed in cheese, where tyrosine was discovered for the first time. This substance is also found in chicken, fish, milk, and high-protein foods.

According to research data, tyrosine is involved in the synthesis of a number of important substances for the human body, such as:

  • norepinephrine and adrenaline - substances responsible for the speed of reaction in times of danger, allowing the body to prepare for an effective struggle for life;
  • thyroid hormones - take part in metabolic processes;
  • dopamine - a substance that stimulates the nerve centers responsible for the feeling of pleasure, and also improves memory and motor skills;
  • melanin is a pigment that provides coloration of the skin, hair and iris of the eyes.

    If your diet is deficient in high tyrosine foods, doctors recommend the use of appropriate nutritional supplements. Adding them to the diet can increase the amount of dopamine, adrenaline and norepinephrine, which will lead to improved memory and improve reaction in stressful situations and brain function.

    The effect of tyrosine on stress levels

    Stress is a condition that can negatively affect brain speed, memory, attention and nerve transmission. So, for example, in rodents whose body was constantly exposed to low temperatures, scientists noted a decrease in the level of neurotransmitters, which caused memory impairment. However, the use of tyrosine supplements made it possible to reverse the process and normalize brain function in animals. Although laboratory studies on rats cannot be used to confirm the effect of a substance on the human body, experiments involving humans have shown a similar result.

    One study of 22 women found that adding tyrosine to the diet increased the speed of problem solving. Scientists attribute this effect to an increase in concentration levels.

    Another experiment looking at the compound's effect on cognitive flexibility found that tyrosine improved the ability to quickly switch from one task to another while maintaining performance levels. In addition, regular intake of tyrosine has been found to improve brain function in sleep-deprived people and keep their concentration levels up to 3 hours longer than placebo.

    An analysis of a number of studies has shown that the addition of this compound to the diet can reverse the process of mental decline. Also, the supplement can improve the cognitive abilities of the brain in stressful and psychologically difficult situations. And despite some evidence that tyrosine can improve brain function, there is not a single study that confirms the ability of this compound to increase the level of physical performance.

    The scientists also report that none of the previous studies have shown that tyrosine is able to improve brain function outside of stressful situations. In other words, the inclusion of this supplement in the diet will not improve mental abilities.

    Tyrosine buy in Kyiv with delivery in Ukraine

    Tyrosine can be used to treat phenylketonuria This enzyme is used by the human body to generate neurotransmitters and also to break down phenylalanine.


    The main treatment for this genetic disorder is a specialized diet that includes foods high in phenylalanine. But due to the fact that tyrosine is synthesized from this substance, individuals suffering from PKU may experience an acute deficiency of it. Based on this, the scientists concluded that tyrosine supplements can improve the condition of people with phenylketonuria.


    An analysis of research data has shown that the regular use of dietary supplements of tyrosine in combination with a specialized diet for patients with PKU has a positive effect on the growth of intelligence, improves quality of life and reduces the risk of death. However, some studies have shown that there is practically no difference between the use of supplements and placebo. Therefore, it is impossible to draw unambiguous conclusions about the need for the use of tyrosine in the treatment of PKU.

    Should l tyrosine be used for depression This condition is associated with an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the human brain.

    For its treatment, as a rule, antidepressants are prescribed, which contribute to the production of additional neurotransmitters. But because tyrosine has the same property, it can be used as an alternative to antidepressants.

    Despite this, some previous studies refute this claim. So, in one of the experiments, one group with depression was given 100 milligrams of tyrosine per 1 kilogram of its own weight in combination with antidepressants, and the other amino acid was replaced with a placebo. After the study was completed, it was found that tyrosine has no effect on depression.

    According to doctors, depression is a rather complex condition that varies from person to person. Therefore, the use of tyrosine in its treatment can help only a few. Despite this, the inclusion of an appropriate supplement in the diet increases the level of adrenaline, dopamine and norepinephrine, which will provide benefits to the body.


    One study in people whose depression was caused by low levels of dopamine showed that tyrosine could improve their condition. The participants in the experiment experienced an increase in the amount of energy and an increase in motivation.

    Research results on the effects of tyrosine on depression are conflicting. Therefore, further experiments will be required to determine the usefulness of the substance in this area.

    Side effects of l-tyrosine

    Doctors report that tyrosine is an absolutely safe dietary supplement, provided it is used in the recommended amounts, that is, up to 150 milligrams per 1 kilogram of body weight. Despite this, in combination with certain drugs, this compound may cause unwanted side effects.

    Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

    Tyramine is an amino acid that helps normalize blood pressure levels. It is formed during the breakdown of tyrosine in the human body, and can also be ingested from certain foods, such as:

    • moldy and hard cheeses;
    • smoked or cured meats;
    • soy products;
    • beer.

      MAOIs, often referred to as antidepressants, block an enzyme called monoamine oxidase, which helps break down excess tyramine. This, in turn, can cause an increase in blood pressure to a critical state.

      But it remains unknown whether tyrosine can cause tyramine accumulation. Therefore, doctors strongly do not recommend using this supplement in combination with antidepressants.

      Thyroid hormones

      Substances such as thyroxine and triiodothyronine are the main thyroid hormones. They are responsible for metabolism and cell growth. Therefore, it is very important that the indicators of these hormones do not exceed the permissible value and are not below it.

      Adding l-tyrosine to the diet may lead to an increase in thyroxine and triiodothyronine. This is due to the fact that this amino acid acts as a building material for the creation of thyroid hormones. For the same reason, individuals taking thyroid medication should be extremely careful when including tyrosine in their diet.

      Levodopa

      A drug called Levodopa is often prescribed to treat Parkinson's disease. Its active components compete with tyrosine for absorption by the body in the small intestine, which can adversely affect the effectiveness of the drug. Therefore, doctors recommend taking tyrosine supplements 2 hours before or after taking the drug. At the same time, the researchers note that tyrosine is able to eliminate some of the symptoms of diseases associated with impaired cognitive functions.

      Tyrosine Recommendations

      In the dietary supplement, l-acetyl-NA-Tyrosine is in the amino acid form N-Tyrosine. This form of the substance is highly soluble in water, but is slowly absorbed. This means that the volumes of NALT used to meet the needs of the body must be higher than pure tyrosine.

      In order to increase the effectiveness of training, the last form of the substance is recommended to be included in the diet in the amount of 500 to 2000 milligrams 30-60 minutes before the start of physical activity. To improve brain function, tyrosine should be taken in a ratio of 100 to 150 milligrams per 1 kilogram of its own weight.


      Use of higher amounts of supplements may lead to GI disturbance. Therefore, the recommended volume should be divided into two doses.

      Conclusion

      Tyrosine is a fairly popular dietary supplement that is used for a variety of purposes. It can be used to increase the amount of neurotransmitters that improve brain function in stressful situations, as well as to increase the effectiveness of certain drugs.

      According to scientists, this supplement is absolutely safe. However, it may interact with some medications. Therefore, before including it in the diet, it is important to consult with your doctor.

      SAYYES Top L Tyrosine Online

      Tyrosine, L-Tyrosine, Now Foods, 750mg, 90 capsules from 395 UAH
      L-Tyrosine, L-Tyrosine, Puritan's Pride, 500 mg, 100 capsules from 232 UAH
      L-Tyrosine, L-Tyrosine 1000, MST Nutrition, 90 Veggie Caps from 370 UAH
      Tyrosine, L-Tyrosine, Thorne Research, 90 capsules from 585 UAH
      L-Tyrosine, L-Tyrosine, Swanson, 500 mg, 100 capsules from 260 UAH

      SOURCES

      • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1863555/
      • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2738414/
      • https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/L-tyrosine

      Tyrosine. All you need to know

      What is L-Tyrosine? This is a substance that is included in the twenty basic amino acids of the human body and is used for protein synthesis. From Greek, the word tyrosine can be translated as "cheese". It would seem a strange definition, but it so happened historically that it was first found in cheese products. Of the natural products that contain this amino acid, one can distinguish: products of the meat and dairy industry, beans, cereals and fish.


      Tyrosine is widely used in the sports and medical industries. Among its properties were noted: improving concentration, memory and brain activity, it is also prescribed to people who are depressed and struggling with excess weight.

      How is tyrosine formed?

      Amino acids are divided into two main groups:

      1. Interchangeable. Organic protein compounds produced by the body.
      2. Essential. Amino acids not synthesized by the human body.

      The human body is able to synthesize tyrosine inside itself even if it is not contained in the products included in the usual diet, but L-tyrosine is a breakdown product of phenylalanine. Without it, the synthesis of tyrosine is not possible, although other compounds can be produced from glucose and ammonia. That is why there are subgroups of amino acids. One of these is called "conditionally replaceable" and includes tyrosine.


      The breakdown of phenylalanine occurs in the liver. Phenylalanine-4-hydroxylase plays a major role in the reaction. This process is designed to remove excess phenylalanine, not to produce tyrosine, the excess of which is disposed of shortly thereafter.

      The principle of converting tyrosine to norepinephrine

      Norepinephrine is a dopamine derivative that is taken from L-tyrosine after hydroxylation of the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase to form L-DOPA and its subsequent decarboxylation.

      The hormone is also involved in the self-regulation of its synthesis. It prevents the amino acid from converting to dopamine. It also has a key effect on a positive assessment of the world and the speed of decision-making, increases the pain threshold and can increase physical strength for a short period of time.

      Effect of tyrosine on mental concentration

      Mental concentration is common among athletes who have been training for more than a year. They know that watching a coach or participating in a competition increases their muscle strength. Also works music and mood. Therefore, people use tyrosine supplements to help them prepare for the upcoming physical activities.


      Research

      "Chinever" conducted a series of studies in 2002 and received interesting data as a result of one experiment. Cyclists who were given 25 mg of tyrosine per 1 kg of body weight did not confirm the positive effect of the substance on the body. After that, it was decided to increase the concentration of athletes with the help of another substance called "bupropion". It increased the performance of participants at temperatures over 25 degrees Celsius, relative to results obtained at temperatures below 20 degrees. L-tyrosine also increased the duration of physical activity in warm conditions.

      The results of another experiment, which were published in 2014, showed a good performance of creative thinking in participants. They were divided into two groups. One group was given fruit juice to which tyrosine was added, while the other was not. As a result: the group taking the juice showed higher intellectual abilities.

      Other experiments have shown a reduction in children's attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The children were given tyrosine and 5-HTP at 1.499 mg, as well as 151 mg of 5-hydroxytryptophan. But in addition to this, they also received: vitamin C (1 g), calcium citrate (0.21 g), vitamin B6 (0.076 g), folic acid (0.5 mg), L-lysine (0.51 mg) and L-cysteine ​​(2.4-4.4 G).


      Of course, the effect of tyrosine on the concentration and attention of the child cannot be ruled out, but the participation of other supplements in the experiment could also have a significant impact on the results.

      Tyrosine deficiency symptoms

      A lack of tyrosine in the body can be associated with a number of negative consequences. Symptoms can be:

      1. depression,
      2. low blood pressure,
      3. lethargy,
      4. fatigue,
      5. weight set,
      6. apathy,
      7. decreased mental and physical activity.

      With an acute shortage of this substance, hypothyroidism can develop, but if such problems are really present, then you should not assume that tyrosine will become a panacea. Even if the problem arose precisely because of the lack of this amino acid, then its use can change the level of adrenaline and norepinephrine. This can cause side effects and disrupt the functioning of the thyroid gland. If you find problems with the thyroid gland, it is recommended to consult a doctor first.

      Tyrosine functions and effects on the human body

      This amino acid has a wide variety of functions, which include:

      1. Regulation of circadian rhythms;
      2. Reduced distraction and increased alertness;
      3. Stabilization of metabolism;
      4. Decreased appetite;
      5. Stimulation of fat burning processes in the body;
      6. Optimization of the functioning of the endocrine glands;
      7. Increased duration of physical and mental work;
      8. Mood optimization and stress reduction;
      9. Reducing the body's exposure to allergens.


      In today's world, tyrosine is used in most areas of medicine. It is used to reduce weight, the increase of which has been associated with stress. In the treatment of depression and nervous breakdowns. It is used in conjunction with tryptophan to counter Parkinson's disease. It is prescribed for people struggling with allergies and those who need to optimize their thyroid hormones. It is also used in the fight against tuberculous meningitis, hyperthyroidism and poliomyelitis.


      Tyrosine and fat burning

      Amino acid is actively involved in the breakdown of fats. Due to the influence on the production of the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, it becomes even more effective in fat burning. People who use various diets for weight loss may not be afraid to "break loose" due to the suppression of hunger with tyrosine. And its effect on stress resistance has a positive effect on both those who have already applied the diet, and those who have gained excess weight due to stress.

      In what forms is tyrosine available?

      The market today includes many different tyrosine-containing products, ranging from sports supplements to over-the-counter drugs. Firms such as Now Foods, VPX Sports, and others produce L-tyrosine formulations that are in high demand. In addition, there is its modified form, which is called N-acetyl-tyrosine. This substance is much better absorbed by the body and stays in it longer. When buying tyrosine in sports nutrition stores, be careful: the cheapness of the product may be the reason that the actual content of the amino acid will differ from that indicated in the composition.

      Directions for use and daily allowance

      An adult needs 25 mg of tyrosine per 1 kg of body weight per day. Considering that a person consumes half of this norm with food, it can be concluded that no more than 12 mg per 1 kg of weight is needed to increase stress resistance or improve memory. If an amino acid is required to fight depression, then the dosage will be 0. 5-1 gram 3 times a day, and to improve sleep 1500 mg per day. In general, it all depends on the symptoms and goals of the person.

      Food containing tyrosine

      You can also get your daily amino acid requirement from regular foods. More than 1700 mg of the substance is found in cheeses. Whitefish contains 1740 mg, and beef and pork about 1200 mg. More than 1000 mg contains salmon, chicken and pumpkin seeds. Eggs have 500 mg of tyrosine, while white beans and wild rice have less than 300 mg.

      What can cause side effects?

      People over the age of 18 can safely take small doses of the amino acid. Approximately 100-150 mg per 1 kg for 90 days. Side effects may include:

      1. heartburn,
      2. fatigue,
      3. joint pains,
      4. migraine,
      5. dizziness.

      To avoid this, the recommended dosage should not be exceeded. It is also not advised to take tyrosine suffering from thyroid problems without the recommendation of a doctor. If a person takes steroid drugs, then he should also not combine them with this substance, so that there are no negative consequences. In addition, the use of tyrosine can harm pregnant and breastfeeding women. Due to insufficient information about the safety of the use of the supplement by children, they, as well as young and expectant mothers, are also not recommended to take it.

      Conclusion

      You can buy tyrosine without a prescription at any pharmacy. In addition, there are a large number of tyrosine-containing supplements in sports nutrition stores. A considerable amount of positive feedback is left about this amino acid, but its rather high cost can become a significant drawback.


      The properties that tyrosine has can be very useful for people who want to improve their athletic performance, but for those who are struggling with thyroid disease, it is better not to take risks and not use it without proper recommendations. Also, the amino acid will not be a guarantee for people losing weight, but it can be a good helper in maintaining a diet.

      Learn more