Depression is a mental health problem of epidemic proportions. The World Health Organization reports that depression affects around 121 million people around the world and is one of the top causes of disability. A number of natural dietary supplements, including l-tyrosine, are thought to help depression. However, clinical research studies regarding the effects of l-tyrosine on depression have had mixed results.
Depression Facts
Depression is a debilitating mental disorder that results in significant impairment to your ability to function and your overall quality of life. It's not simply a matter of feeling occasionally sad or tearful. Depression manifests in serious symptoms such as a lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed, feelings of low self-worth, physical issues such as insomnia and loss of appetite, irritability, persistent sadness, fatigue, unexplained aches and pains and, for some people, suicidal thoughts or gestures. According to the Tang Center at UC Berkeley, clinical depression causes a noticeable change in your mood and behavior for at least two weeks. While the causes aren't entirely known, biological, psychological and social factors may play a role in depression. Stress, trauma and substance abuse can exacerbate or provoke depressive symptoms.
Depression can often become worse if not properly treated. With proper treatment, you may begin to feel better in just a few weeks, although it can take longer for some people. Depression treatment usually involves psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes, such as exercise and stress management. However, researchers have grown increasingly interested in the impact of diet and dietary supplements like l-tyrosine on depression.
About L-Tyrosine
Tyrosine, or L-tyrosine, is an amino acid manufactured by your body from another amino acid acid known as phenylalanine. Tyrosine plays an important role in brain function and is used to create neurotransmitters known as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which play an important role in mood regulation. Tyrosine is found in dietary sources such as turkey, fish, peanuts, avocados or cottage cheese. You can also obtain tyrosine from dietary supplements. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, tyrosine deficiencies are unusual, but can result in symptoms such as low blood pressure, low body temperature or an underactive thyroid. Supplementation with l-tyrosine may have a beneficial effect on depressive symptoms. In his book, "The Healing Nutrients Within," Dr. Eric Braverman points out that doctors at Harvard Medical School were among the first to successfully use l-tyrosine to treat medication-resistant depression.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical studies regarding tyrosine deficiency and the benefits of l-tyrosine supplementation on depression and depressive symptoms have had mixed results. One study, published in the May 1980 issue of the "American Journal of Psychiatry" showed that l-tyrosine helped to decrease depressive symptoms in one case report. An additional study, published in 2004 in the journal, "Psychopharmacology," studied the effects of tyrosine and phenylalanine depletion in healthy volunteers. Half of the study participants were given a balanced amino acid mixture, while the other group was given a mixture that was deficient in tyrosine and phenylalanine. Study participants given the tyrosine/phenylalanine-free mixture showed a marked increase in certain depressive symptoms. However, another study, published in the June 1990 issue of the "Journal of Affective Disorders," showed that supplementation with oral l-tyrosine had no noticeable antidepressant effect on study participants. Further research regarding the effects of l-tyrosine on depression is clearly warranted.
Considerations
Although a limited number of studies have shown the benefits of l-tyrosine supplementation on depression, you should not use l-tyrosine to self-treat depressive symptoms or as a replacement for your doctor's advice. Seek professional treatment if you think you are suffering from depression. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, l-tyrosine can interact with certain medications. Inform your doctor if you plan to use an l-tyrosine supplement, especially if you have a medical condition or use any over-the-counter or prescription medications.
References
- World Health Organization: Depression
- Tang Center at UC Berkeley: Clinical Depression
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tyrosine
- "The Healing Nutrients Within"; Eric Braverman, MD, et al; 2003
- "American Journal of Psychiatry"; Tyrosine for Treatment of Depression; A. Gelenberg, et al; May 1980
- "Journal of Affective Disorders"; Tyrosine for Depression: A Double-blind Trial; A. Gelenberg, et al; June 1990
Member Comments