Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning your body can manufacture it on its own. Its role in producing specific neurotransmitters, or brain chemicals, suggests potential for addressing conditions like stress, mental fatigue from lack of sleep, depression and Parkinson's disease. Not enough research exists, however, to make any firm conclusions about its therapeutic benefits for these conditions. Some dosage suggestions exist based on research and vary depending on the condition but clear dosing guidelines for this supplement have not been established. If you believe taking tyrosine will address a particular health concern, talk to your doctor about the appropriateness of using this supplement and guidance on what dose to start with and what to work up to.
Dosage Guidelines
The suggested dosage of tyrosine varies depending on the condition. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, many health professionals recommend a dose of between 500 mg and 1,000 mg three times a day for general use. Research testing tyrosine on specific conditions tended to use higher doses, so this amount might prove insufficient, depending on the reason for use. Ultimately, you should use professional guidance in determining how much tyrosine you need.
The University of Michigan Health System says the following doses were used in studies: stress: 150 mg per kilogram of body weight before a stressful activity -- split into two doses and take the second 40 to 90 minutes after the first; depression: 100 mg per kilogram of body weight; alcohol-withdrawal symptoms and stress: 900 mg daily; Parkinson's disease: 45 mg per kilogram of body weight.
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center says one study where 10 g to 15 g of tyrosine twice daily reduced mental symptoms of sleep deprivation for about two hours. Tyrosine has also been touted to enhance sports performance but the center notes a study where athletes who took 150 mg per kilogram of body weight did not experience any improvement in their performance.
Side Effects
Because tyrosine naturally exists in the body and food, it appears a generally safe supplement to consume. High doses, however, might cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and nervousness. The presence of these symptoms could indicate a specific dose is too high and that you need to scale back.
Interactions and Contraindications
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes the use of tyromine supplements might prove problematic in certain instances. Tyromine can trigger migraines and raise levels of thyroid hormone, making use inappropriate if you suffer from migraines or thyroid issues like hyperthyroidism or Grave's disease. Using tyromine with MAO-inhibitors, a class of antidepressants, can trigger potentially deadly increases in blood pressure. Tyromine might interfere with the transfer of L-dopa to the brain. Its ability to stimulate thyroid hormone production could increase the effects of synthetic thyroid medications
Other Considerations for Use
Your body needs adequate amounts of vitamin B-6, folic acid and copper to properly convert tyrosine into neurotransmitters so make sure you get enough through diet and/or supplementation. If you have liver disease, kidney disease or are pregnant or nursing, always talk to your doctor before using any supplement as these instances make you particularly vulnerable to the actions of drugs and supplements.
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