Protein, and the amino acids that make it up, is a necessary macronutrient that builds muscles, tissues and organs. Protein also plays an important role in detoxifying the body and providing the neurotransmitters necessary for balancing brain chemistry. One amino acid, tyrosine, has shown some promise in helping depression but has not been scientifically proven to relieve clinical depression. Work closely with a doctor to determine if using tyrosine is right for you.
Identification
L-tyrosine is an amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein, that is important to the structures of almost all proteins in the body. It is also converted into several neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. Due to this effect on neurotransmitters, some alternative practitioners recommend the use of tyrosine to combat both fatigue and depression.
Uses
L-tyrosine does not usually help clinical depression on its own but can be a helpful adjunct therapy when depression is resistant to medication, according to Dr. Eric R. Braverman in his book "The Healing Nutrients Within: Facts, Findings, and New Research on Amino Acids." In some cases, clinical depression may lift when users take tyrosine in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, Braverman notes, and blood levels of tyrosine may be helpful in indicating which medication will be most effective. Mild depression, on the other hand, may benefit from tyrosine exclusively, though this is not guaranteed.
Amount
Braverman notes that Harvard Medical School pioneered the use of 1 to 6 g of L-tyrosine for drug-resistant depression in 1980. Other studies have had similar findings, though through his own work with clients, Braverman suggests effectiveness in lower doses from 1 to 2 g per day. Michael Murray, author of "The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines," references one small double-blind study conducted in 1983 that found tyrosine demonstrated a 60 to 70 percent benefit rate, similar to many antidepressants, at 100 mg per 2.2 lbs. of body weight. A later larger study published in the June 1990 issue of the "Journal of Affective Disorders" found no evidence of benefit of tyrosine when it comes to depression.
Considerations
Tyrosine has an important role in the function of the thyroid, playing several key roles in hormone production, according to chiropractor Richard Weinstein in his book "The Stress Effect." Therefore, it is a good idea to get your thyroid tested before supplementing with tyrosine to make sure you are getting adequate levels. If you suffer from insomnia or excess energy, do not take tyrosine. Do not supplement with tyrosine if you are on antidepressants without first checking with your doctor.
References
- "The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines"; Michael Murray, N.D.; 2002
- "The Healing Nutrients Within: Facts, Findings, and New Research on Amino Acids"; Eric R. Braverman, M.D.; 2003
- "The Stress Effect"; Richard Weinstein, D.C.; 2004
- "Journal of Affective Disorders"; Tyrosine for Depression: a Double-blind Trial; A.J. Gelenberg, et al.; June 1990
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Tyrosine
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