Tyrosine

Description

Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can synthesize it, primarily from another amino acid, Phenylalanine. It is a fundamental building block of proteins and serves as a precursor for several important substances in the body, particularly neurotransmitters and hormones. Its primary role is in the synthesis of catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine), which are crucial for brain function, mood regulation, stress response, and alertness. Tyrosine is also involved in the production of thyroid hormones and melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. As a supplement, L-Tyrosine is often used to support cognitive function, particularly during stressful conditions, improve mood, and enhance physical performance by aiding in the body's ability to cope with stress and maintain neurotransmitter balance.

Sources
Dairy products (milk, cheese)Meat (chicken, turkey, beef, pork)FishEggsNuts (almonds, peanuts)Seeds (sesame, pumpkin)Soy productsWhole grainsBeans
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Optimal Dosage
Minimum500 mg
Maximum2000 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Interactions

Positive Interactions

Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is a precursor to Tyrosine, meaning the body can convert Phenylalanine into Tyrosine, thus supporting its production.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a crucial coenzyme required for the enzymatic conversion of Tyrosine into neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine, a step in the catecholamine synthesis pathway initiated by Tyrosine.
Iron
Iron is a cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of catecholamine neurotransmitters from Tyrosine.
Folate
Folate is involved in various methylation processes that are essential for the overall metabolism and regulation of neurotransmitters, including those derived from Tyrosine.

Negative Interactions

Tryptophan
Tyrosine competes with Tryptophan for absorption across the blood-brain barrier via the same large neutral amino acid (LNAA) transporter system; high doses of one can reduce the uptake of the other.
5-HTP
Similar to Tryptophan, Tyrosine may compete with 5-HTP for transport mechanisms, potentially impacting the balance of serotonin and catecholamine synthesis.
Phenylalanine
While Phenylalanine is a precursor to Tyrosine, very high doses of Phenylalanine could theoretically compete with Tyrosine for transport across the blood-brain barrier if not adequately converted.
Product stats
Price per product
Average$24.11
Median$19.98
Price per serving
Average$0.67
Median$0.62
Price per 100 mg
Average$0.31
Median$0.13
Price distribution
Price per serving distribution
Price per 100 mg
Reference amount: 100 mg
Forms
Paired ingredients
Ingredient forms
L-Tyrosine (3)85
It serves as a direct precursor to several important neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and epinephrine (adrenaline), collectively known as catecholamines. These neurotransmitters play critical roles in mood, stress response, cognitive function, and alertness. Supplementation is often used to support cognitive performance, especially under conditions of stress, fatigue, or sleep deprivation, by helping to maintain neurotransmitter levels.
Pros
  • Well-researched and widely available form.
  • Directly utilized by the body for neurotransmitter synthesis.
  • Supports cognitive function, mood, and stress response.
Cons
  • Can compete with other large neutral amino acids for transport across the blood-brain barrier.
  • Potential for mild side effects like headache or digestive upset in sensitive individuals.
Per product
Avg$14.59
Med$14.59
Per serving
Avg$0.10
Med$0.10
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.02
Med$0.02
Price distribution
L-Tyrosine Hydrochloride (1)85
It serves as a direct precursor to several important neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and epinephrine (adrenaline), collectively known as catecholamines. These neurotransmitters play critical roles in mood, stress response, cognitive function, and alertness. Supplementation is often used to support cognitive performance, especially under conditions of stress, fatigue, or sleep deprivation, by helping to maintain neurotransmitter levels.
Pros
  • Well-researched and widely available form.
  • Directly utilized by the body for neurotransmitter synthesis.
  • Supports cognitive function, mood, and stress response.
Cons
  • Can compete with other large neutral amino acids for transport across the blood-brain barrier.
  • Potential for mild side effects like headache or digestive upset in sensitive individuals.
Per product
Avg$12.60
Med$12.60
Per serving
Avg$0.31
Med$0.31
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.21
Med$0.21
Price distribution
N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (1)70
NALT is a modified form of L-Tyrosine that is more water-soluble. It is theorized to offer better absorption and bioavailability compared to L-Tyrosine. However, research on its conversion efficiency back to L-Tyrosine in the body is mixed, with some studies suggesting it may be less efficient than direct L-Tyrosine supplementation for raising plasma tyrosine levels. It aims to support the same cognitive and mood-related functions as L-Tyrosine.
Pros
  • Increased water solubility compared to L-Tyrosine.
  • Easier to incorporate into liquid formulations.
Cons
  • Evidence for superior bioavailability or efficacy over L-Tyrosine is inconsistent and debated.
  • Some research suggests it may be less efficiently converted to L-Tyrosine than direct L-Tyrosine supplementation.
  • Typically more expensive than L-Tyrosine.
Per product
Avg$16.79
Med$16.79
Per serving
Avg$0.55
Med$0.55
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.11
Med$0.11
Price distribution