Tyrosine: benefits, side effects and dosage

Tyrosine: An Information About This Important Amino Acid

 tyrosine in depth, discovering what it is, how it works and what vital roles it plays in our body.

What is Tyrosine?

Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, which means that our body can synthesize it on its own from another amino acid called phenylalanine. It is found in many foods, especially cheese, where it was first discovered. In fact, “tyros” means “cheese” in Greek. It is also found in chicken, turkey, fish, dairy products and most other high-protein foods and is also available in supplement form.

Main roles of Tyrosine

1. Precursor of Neurotransmitters: Tyrosine plays a key role in the synthesis of important neurotransmitters such as dopamine, adrenaline and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters influence our mood, motivation and response to stress.

2. Production of Thyroid Hormones: Tyrosine is essential in the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) which regulate our body's metabolism.

3. Antioxidant Protection: Tyrosine has antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize free radicals that can damage cells.

4. Skin and Hair Pigmentation: Tyrosine is involved in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, eyes and hair. Dark-skinned people have more melanin in their skin than light-skinned people

Tyrosine supplementation is believed to increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenaline, and norepinephrine. By increasing these neurotransmitters, it may help improve memory and performance in stressful situations

Potential Health Benefits

Tyrosine has been studied for its possible mental and physical health benefits. Some of the potential benefits include:

1. Improved Humor: Tyrosine has been associated with improved mood regulation and reduced symptoms of depression.

2. Increased Energy: Tyrosine supplements are used to improve energy and stamina during physical exertion.

3. Improved Cognition: Tyrosine can support cognitive functions, particularly in stressful situations.

4. Support for Thyroid Function: Taking tyrosine can be helpful for people with thyroid problems.

Safety and Dosage

Tyrosine is generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses. 

It has been safely supplemented at a dose of 150 mg per kg of body weight per day for up to three months.
Although 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 degradation of tyrosine. Tyramine accumulates in foods when tyrosine and phenylalanine are converted to tyramine by an enzyme found in microorganisms.

Cheeses such as cheddar and blue cheese, cured or smoked meats, soy products, and beer contain high levels of tyramine. Antidepressant drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) block the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down excess tyramine in the body.

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

What are MAOI drugs

Antidepressant drugs, which through the inhibition of the mitochondrial enzymes monoamine oxidase (MAO), make catecholamines and serotonin more available to the central nervous system. Selective inhibitors for MAO localized in nerve endings (e.g. seleglycine) are also used in the initial stages of Parkinson's disease, because they also potentiate endogenous dopamine. The MAOIs used in antidepressant therapy are phenylzine and isocarboxazid; their use is limited since the advent of tricyclic antidepressants and, above all, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

However, it is not known whether tyrosine supplementation can lead to a buildup of tyramine in the body, so caution is needed for those taking MAOIs

However, it is important to avoid excessive doses as they may cause side effects such as insomnia, increased blood pressure and fast heartbeat.

Thyroid hormone

The thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) help regulate growth and metabolism in the body. It is important that T3 and T4 levels are neither too high nor too low.

Tyrosine supplementation can affect these hormones.

This is because tyrosine is a building block of thyroid hormones, so supplementing it could increase their levels too high. Therefore, people taking thyroid medications or who have an overactive thyroid should be cautious when supplementing with tyrosine.

Levodopa (L-dopa)

Levodopa (L-dopa) is a drug commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease. In the body, L-dopa and tyrosine compete for absorption in the small intestine, which can interfere with the effectiveness of the drug.

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

Interestingly, tyrosine is being studied to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with cognitive decline in older adults.

Conclusions

Tyrosine is an amino acid with multiple key roles in the human body, influencing our mental health, thyroid function and energy. Many seek to optimize tyrosine levels through a balanced diet and, in some cases, the use of supplements. Before starting any type of supplementation, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Remember that health is a complex issue, and tyrosine is only one of the elements that influence it. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet and regular physical activity, is essential to maintaining overall well-being.