Difference between Tyrosine and L-Tyrosine
The article examines tyrosine as a supplement. Tyrosine is available in two forms, free-form amino acid and 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.
It means that you would need a higher dose of NALT than tyrosine to get the same effect, making the free-form the preferred choice. (1)
Although when for searching for a supplement containing tyrosine as a free-form amino acid you will probably only see it labelled as L-tyrosine.
Tyrosine facts
Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, which means that when it is both ingested from the diet and synthesized by the body. It is an essential component for producing key brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters include epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. (2)
The best way to get the tyrosine you need is by eating a healthy and balanced diet. It is in casein, a protein in milk and other milk-based products like cheese. (3)
Other food sources include avocados, meat, grains like wheat and oats, bananas, fish, dairy such as cheese, and also soy products. The body makes tyrosine using another amino acid called phenylalanine. (4)
Tyrosine may help with
- Low mood and anxiety
- Stimulating growth hormone
- Lowering stress levels
Benefits
1) Low mood and anxiety
Producing enough dopamine can help alleviate depressed mood and anxiety. The amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine are changed into dopamine, to do this vitamin B6, folic acid, zinc, copper, magnesium, iron, and manganese must be present. (5)
2) Stimulating growth hormone release
Tyrosine may stimulate the pituitary gland to make and release human growth hormone, which helps to build muscle, leading to higher muscle tone and muscle strength. It also increases fat metabolism, which may help with fat loss.
3) Alleviates stress
It may also help you to cope with stress. When you experience stress, you release dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. L- Tyrosine increases the production of the neurotransmitters.
Tyrosine works well with
- Beta Carotene for tanning and UV protection
- L-Glutamine for muscle growth
- Arginine and Ornithine for releasing growth hormones
- Copper to promote healthy skin and pigmentation
Some things you may want to consider
People taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, prescribed for individuals suffering from depression and similar disorders, should not take tyrosine because it may result in an unexpected and severe rise in blood pressure.
According to WebMD, there isn’t enough information available to know if tyrosine is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take tyrosine supplements.
If you have hyperthyroidism or Graves disease, you must not take tyrosine supplements. The body uses tyrosine to make a thyroid hormone called thyroxine. Taking extra tyrosine might increase thyroxine levels too much, making hyperthyroidism and Graves disease worse. (6)
Resources
Last accessed online 26/05/2020
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tyrosine
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/tyrosine
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1037/tyrosine
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/tyrosine
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/332626-foods-that-release-norepinephrine-dopamine
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1037/tyrosinedopamine/
