Maintain Overall Health

L-Tyrosine Background and Benefits

L-tyrosine is an amino acid known chemically as 4-hydroxyphenylalanine. It is one of the 22 amino acids that the human body uses to build proteins. L-tyrosine is classified as a non-essential amino acid, meaning that it can be synthesized from other amino acids. The German chemist Justus von Liebig isolated L-tyrosine in 1846 from the protein casein in cheese. The word "tyrosine" comes from the Greek word “tyros,” which means cheese.

The primary role of L-tyrosine is its part in protein synthesis. Its functions include signal transduction in proteins and the reception of phosphate groups from protein kinases, which are enzymes that modify proteins.

L-tyrosine is typically synthesized from phenylalanine, which is available from many dietary sources. The most significant sources of phenylalanine are generally high-protein foods such as meat or fish. Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt also contain high levels of phenylalanine. Additional foods that contain phenylalanine include avocados, bananas and lima beans.

Common reasons for taking l-tyrosine include low natural levels of this amino acid as well as specific conditions caused by a tyrosine deficiency.

Uses of L-Tyrosine

Tyrosine deficiency is the most common reason for taking tyrosine supplements. People also take this amino acid for mental fatigue and stress.

Mental performance

Several studies on l-tyrosine indicate that it can improve mental performance, especially under stressful conditions such as cold or noisy environments.

Alertness

L-tyrosine may also be helpful in maintaining alertness during sleep deprivation. A common regimen for this use is 150 mg of l-tyrosine per kilogram of body weight per day.

Memory recall support

Some studies show that l-tyrosine helps maintain memory recall under stressful conditions such as multitasking.

Support for tyrosine deficiency

Phenylketonuria is a genetic condition that prevents someone from synthesizing l-tyrosine from phenylalanine. People with phenylketonuria have low natural levels of l-tyrosine and would most likely benefit from l-tyrosine supplements.

Signs You May Need L-Tyrosine

The most common signs of l-tyrosine deficiency includes flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, swollen joints, aching muscles and pale skin. A lack of interest in recreational activities is also an indication that you may benefit from l-tyrosine supplements.

Additional signs of a tyrosine deficiency are low levels of thyroid hormone, which requires l-tyrosine. These signs include weight gain and water retention in the absence of any changes in activity level or diet.

Synonyms and Similar Forms of L-Tyrosine

l-tyrosine, l tyrosine, tyrosine


Health Articles

What Are the Benefits of Amino Acids in Supplementation?

  The nine essentials – histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine – are obtained either through the foods we eat or through a supplement, while our body is able to produce many of the non-e...

Other Ingredients That May Be Of Interest

Phosphatidyl Choline

Stress Management Phosphatidyl Choline Background and Benefits Phosphatidyl choline is a collective term for any phospholipid with a choline head group. They are an essential component in cell membranes and serve a variety of other purposes. The French chemist Theodore Nicolas Gobley first isolat...

L-Glutamine

Supports A Healthy Immune System L-Glutamine Background and Benefits L-glutamine is one of the 20 basic amino acids in the human genetic code. It is a conditionally essential amino acid, meaning that dietary supplementation of L-glutamine may be required under certain conditions. L-glutamine is t...

Search