What is l-tyrosine good for?
However, the fact that "tyrosine" also plays an important role in the "thyroid" gland is actually a coincidence, as the modern name for the thyroid gland dates back to the 1600s, when British anatomist Thomas Wharton named the gland after the Ancient Greek word "thyreoidea", which means "shield-like".
L-tyrosine's role in hormone production
L-tyrosine is used by the body in the formation of proteins, and also assists in the production of enzymes, as well as several important hormones. For example, dopamine, adrenaline and melanin are all produced with the assistance of L-tyrosine, as is thyroxine, the primary form of thyroid hormone.
That said, while L-tyrosine forms an integral part of thyroid hormone production, supplementation should be done with caution, as too much L-tyrosine could interfere with the thyroid's natural function.
L-tyrosine's role in nerve health
L-tyrosine is also conducive to healthy nerve signal communication and neurotransmitter function, and is also known to help reverse reductions in cognitive ability that are associated with neurological stress.
When should I take l-tyrosine?
L-tyrosine is best taken approximately 30 minutes before a meal in order to maximize absorption. If you are taking L-tyrosine for physical performance, it is considered optimal to take it between 30 and 60 minutes before exercise. Also, when taken late in the day, it has the potential to keep you awake, so the morning or early afternoon is the ideal time to take it.
What does l-tyrosine combine well with?
L-tyrosine with L-theanine and caffeine
Another study found that by combining L-tyrosine with low-dose caffeine and l-theanine, there was a change in the movement accuracy of athletes while undergoing exhaustive exercise.What else pairs well with l-tyrosine?
Also taken with copper, vitamin B6 & vitamin B9
Studies have shown that by combining L-tyrosine with copper and vitamins B6 and folic acid (vitamin B9), it is possible to enhance L-tyrosine's production of hormones. For example, vitamin B6 appears to help L-tyrosine during the production of the hormone dopamine.What should I avoid taking l-tyrosine with?
Avoid taking l-tyrosine at the same time as l-phenylalanine
L-phenylalanine is one enzymatic step before l-tyrosine, and the two share the same large neutral amino acid transporter in the gut. A capsule of each in one sitting crowds that single route and makes them compete for absorption, so putting a few hours between them is the ideal arrangement.What are natural sources of l-tyrosine?
If you are interested in obtaining your daily l-tyrosine through your diet, you can often find it in:
Who should avoid taking l-tyrosine?
Before taking l-tyrosine supplements, check with your trusted healthcare professional if any of the following apply to you:
- Thyroid conditions
- Melanoma history
Hyperthyroidism or Graves disease
Given L-tyrosine's capacity to increase levels of the thyroid hormone thryoxine, it is advisable that people suffering from conditions such as hyperthyroidism or Graves disease should avoid taking supplements containing tyrosine altogether.Melanoma history
Tyrosine is one of the raw materials the body uses to make melanin, the pigment in skin, hair and eyes, and that link is where the melanoma note on this page comes from. There is no definitive or conclusive research on l-tyrosine's effects on melanoma yet, but if you have a history of melanoma you should discuss this with your doctor before starting l-tyrosine supplements.Remember to always discuss any vitamins or supplements with your trusted healthcare professional if you are suffering from any health conditions.
Possible side effects of l-tyrosine
Possible side effects from taking l-tyrosine supplements may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Heartburn
- Headache
If you are experiencing negative side effects from taking l-tyrosine supplements, stop taking them immediately and reach out to your trusted healthcare professional.
Drug interactions with l-tyrosine
The medicines listed below are the ones most often named in interaction reports for l-tyrosine, but it is by no means a comprehensive list:
- Antidepressants
- Levodopa
- Levothyroxine
If you are taking any prescription drugs or medication, check with your trusted healthcare professional before taking l-tyrosine supplements.
Can I take l-tyrosine while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No human trials have looked at a high-dose capsule during pregnancy. It's mildly activating, and a supplement taken for focus isn't a nutrient your baby is short of, so the best advice is to avoid it until more research surfaces.
Remember to always discuss any vitamins or supplements with your trusted healthcare professional while pregnant or breastfeeding, or while attempting to conceive.
Where should I store l-tyrosine?
For optimal shelf life, it is recommended to keep l-tyrosine supplements stored in the cupboard. Always make sure the bottle or container is tightly closed, and kept away from sources of light, heat and humidity.
One more thing regarding l-tyrosine
N-Acetyl-L-tyrosine (NALT)
Some nootropic and pre-workout blends use N-Acetyl-L-tyrosine (NALT) instead of free-form L-tyrosine. It dissolves more easily in water, but for ordinary oral capsules the evidence still sits mainly with L-tyrosine itself, so if the bottle simply says L-tyrosine you are on the more common product.L-tyrosine data sources & further reading
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