Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid necessary for vital functions in the body. Non-essential amino acids such as tyrosine can be produced in the body from other amino acids. Tyrosine can be found in various foods, dietary supplements or produced within the body from the amino acid phenylalanine. Consult a health care professional before treating yourself with tyrosine supplements.
Identification
As an amino acid, tyrosine is an important building block to the structure of all proteins within the body. Protein is required for the growth and maintenance of all bodily tissues. The University of Michigan Health System reports that tyrosine is responsible for the production of vital neurotransmitters such as andepinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine.
Sources
Tyrosine can be found in meat products such as chicken, turkey and fish. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and cottage cheese also contain traces of the amino acid. Vegetable food sources of tyrosine include avocados, lima beans, almonds, pumpkin seeds and bananas, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Amino acid and tyrosine supplements are also available in powder, capsule or tablet form.
Effects
As a precursor to important neurotransmitters, tyrosine affects the body's nervous system, mood and cognition, according to UMMC. Tyrosine also regulates the release of various hormones in the body produced by the thyroid and adrenal glands. The University of Michigan Health System reports that individuals suffering from depression have lower levels of tyrosine. However, more research is needed to conclude that tyrosine may be beneficial for reducing stress. One study published in the "Journal of Nutritional Neuroscience" studied the effect of tyrosine on sleep-deprived individuals. The results reported that tyrosine supplements improved levels of cognition and motor performance in individuals suffering from sleep deprivation. Protein supplements that contain tyrosine are administered to patients with phenylketonuria, reports the UMMC. Individuals with phenylketonuria must avoid phenylalanine in their diets, so they're often deficient in the amino acid tyrosine.
Dosage
Adults should take tyrosine supplements 30 minutes prior to meals, divided into three doses, recommends UMMC. Tyrosine doses of 500 to 1,000 mg taken three times per day have been used with no side effects. Individuals suffering from sleep deprivation have been prescribed 150 mg of tyrosine per kilogram of body weight, according to the UMMC. Doses may vary depending on your condition, so consulting a health care professional before using tyrosine supplements is recommended. No tyrosine recommendations exist for children as of September 2010.
Considerations
No adverse side effects have been reported with tyrosine use, according to the University of Michigan Health System. However, you should always consult a knowledgeable health care provider before using tyrosine supplements. UMMC suggests avoiding tyrosine supplements if you suffer from migraines or hyperthryoidism. Possible drug interactions may occur with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, synthetic thyroid hormones and Parkinson's disease medications, warns UMMC.
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