Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, which means that your body makes it and you do not require it in your diet. In addition to being made in your body, it is also found in foods such as almonds, avocados, bananas, dairy products, lima beans, mustard greens, spinach, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds. It can be taken in supplemental form, and it has been found to beneficial for the treatment of hypothyroidism and depression in certain individuals. High doses of tyrosine can interact negatively with certain medications, however, and you should speak with your health care practitioner before supplementing with it.
Hypothyroidism and Tyrosine
Hypothyroidism is a condition that is caused by an underproduction of thyroid hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, slow heat rate, an intolerance to cold, constipation and difficulty concentrating. According to Phyllis Balch in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," hypothyroidism can also cause depression; and low plasma levels of tyrosine is associated with hypothyroidism. Tyrosine supplements may help to treat hypothyroidism because tyrosine is found in high amounts in a healthy thyroid gland, and the thyroid requires tyrosine to make thyroid hormones.
Important Information on the Use of Tyrosine for Hypothyroidism
There are many causes of hypothyroidism, including iodine deficiency and a condition where antibodies mistakenly attack the thyroid gland and destroy it. As such, tyrosine will not effectively treat all hypothyroid individuals. In addition, the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, says that you should not take tyrosine if you have high blood pressure, or if you are taking prescription thyroid hormone medication, without first talking to you doctor.
Tyrosine and Depression
Tyrosine is a building block for several important neurotransmitters in your brain, including epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells to communicate and they regulate your mood. According to Balch, tyrosine acts a natural mood elevator. She explains that a lack of it leads to a deficiency of norepinephrine in the brain. This is problematic because depression is thought to be caused by inadequate norepinephrine supply and activity in the brain.
The Efficacy of Tyrosine Supplements
The "Journal of Psychiatric Research" says studies have shown that supplementing with tyrosine increases norepinephrine concentration and activity in the brain. More research needs to be done to confirm the efficacy of tyrosine for the treatment of depression, but preliminary studies have shown positive results. The therapeutic dosage of tyrosine varies between 500 and 1,000 mg, taken three times daily, and it should be taken at least 30 minutes before meals. For the treatment of depression take tyrosine with vitamins B-6 and B-9 as well as with copper. UMMC explains that those nutrients help your body to convert tyrosine into norepinephrine your the brain.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tyrosine
- Journal of Psychiatric Research"; Tyrosine for Depression; AJ Gelenberg; 1982-1983
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism
