Tyrosine Supplements Offer Brain and Body Benefits

L-tyrosine is an amino acid that supports your body, from your muscles to your brain. It’s a non-essential amino acid, which means your body can make it on its own, so you don’t have to get it from food. However, consuming foods high in L-tyrosine or taking supplements could have extra cognitive and physical benefits.

Some research suggests that supplementing with L-tyrosine can boost your mood and help regulate your stress response. L-tyrosine is believed to increase levels of dopamine, adrenaline, and norepinephrine in the body.

L-tyrosine may improve your memory and mental alertness. Since L-tyrosine increases dopamine availability in your body, experts think it may boost your cognitive performance. In addition to reward centers, dopamine is linked to working memory processes and plays a key role in the brain’s aging process.

In a 2019 review of several studies, researchers found that a higher intake of L-tyrosine was linked to improved cognition. It also improved executive functions like brain flexibility, convergent thinking, and reasoning. However, researchers noted that L-tyrosine is most effective when dopamine and norepinephrine levels are reduced.

Some L-tyrosine supplement companies claim that their products are both mood boosters and antidepressants, but the results are mixed. L-tyrosine increases dopamine, the feel-good hormone that’s linked to reward processing and also addiction. However, the research on supplementation of tyrosine for depression is dated, so it’s challenging to draw any definitive conclusions.

There are some people dubbing L-tyrosine “natural Adderall” for its purported beneficial effect on ADHD, but so far, there’s no research to support these claims yet. Though it is true that there seems to be a link between ADHD and altered dopamine levels.

Phenylketonuria is a rare genetic disorder in which the body can’t properly process another essential amino acid, phenylalanine. Since those with the disorder may also be deficient in L-tyrosine, some experts think that supplementing with it could help relieve some symptoms like seizures or skin rashes.

However, according to a 2021 review of several studies, there is not enough evidence to say for sure. It’s not recommended to mix L-tyrosine with the following medications: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), thyroid hormones, and Levodopa (L-dopa). It’s not advisable to take it if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Research suggests that L-tyrosine supplementation likely benefits your brainpower under stress. It also may benefit conditions like depression, but more research is needed to know for sure. Like any supplement, it is a good idea to contact your healthcare provider before adding it to your medicine cabinet, especially if you have preexisting health conditions or take medications.

As with any supplement, it’s essential to consider the potential benefits and risks. While L-tyrosine may have some benefits, it’s important to weigh these against the lack of concrete evidence and potential interactions with other medications. In the middle of this discussion, it’s worth considering that L-tyrosine could potentially play a role in supporting brain health, but this would require more targeted research to fully understand its effects.

Foods naturally high in tyrosine include cheese, soybeans, beef, lamb, pork, chicken, fish, nuts, eggs, dairy, beans, and whole grains. These foods can provide a natural source of L-tyrosine, which may help support cognitive function and overall health.

It is important to note that L-tyrosine is not a replacement for medical treatment. If you are considering taking L-tyrosine supplements, you should consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits and risks.