Dopamine is a hormone in your body that helps your brain produce pleasure-related sensations. It belongs to a large group of chemicals called neurotransmitters, which help your brain send and receive an array of internal signals. (See References 2) Dopamine is not directly contained in food sources. However, certain foods contain tyrosine, an amino acid that your body uses in dopamine production. (See References 3 and 4)
Dopamine Basics
Dopamine belongs to a group of neurotransmitters called catecholamines, according to the University of Washington. Additional members of this group include epinephrine---also called adrenalin---and norepinephrine, also called noradrenalin. Your body produces catecholamines in your adrenals, a pair of matched glands located on top of your kidneys. In your brain, dopamine and other neurotransmitters achieve their effects by passing signals between opposing ends of specialized cells called neurons, according to the University of Washington.
Tyrosine
Your body makes tyrosine internally from another amino acid, called phenylalanine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. In turn, tyrosine is used to make dopamine, as well as epinephrine, norepinephrine and another neurotransmitter called serotonin. Your body also uses tyrosine in the production of the skin pigment melanin, as well as in support of your adrenal, pituitary and thyroid glands. You can get tyrosine from food sources such as avocados, soy products, bananas, almonds, chicken, fish, turkey, sesame and pumpkin seeds, lima beans, milk, cheese, cottage cheese and yogurt.
Dopamine Levels
In addition to the foods listed above, intake of certain other foods can increase your production of dopamine and the other catecholamines, the UMMC reports. Examples of these foods include cocoa, vanilla, citrus fruits, coffee, tea and chocolate. Drugs known to increase your catecholamine levels include insulin, lithium, chloral hydrate, nitroglycerin, erythromycin, tetracycline and levodopa. Drugs known to decrease your catecholamine levels include salicylates, clonidine, imipramine, reserpine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs.
Tyrosine Deficiency
Tyrosine deficiencies rarely occur, the UMMC notes. However, you may develop a deficiency if you have an underactive thyroid gland, low blood pressure or an abnormally low body temperature. You may also develop a tyrosine deficiency if you have phenylketonuria, or PKU, a dangerous genetic condition triggered by the inability to properly use phenylalanine. Since treatment for PKU requires strict limitations on your phenylalanine intake, as a consequence you may conceivably produce inadequate amounts of tyrosine. If you have PKU, ask your doctor about your tyrosine levels.
Tyrosine Supplements
If necessary, you can boost your tyrosine levels and dopamine production with tyrosine supplements, the UMMC explains. Your doctor can determine your tyrosine needs and recommend a supplement dosage that is proper for your circumstances. Don't take tyrosine if you have Graves disease, hyperthyroidism or migraine headaches. Be aware that tyrosine supplements may not improve the conditions that trigger tyrosine deficiencies.
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