L-tyrosine or tyrosine is used by the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones. It is available in supplement form and some people use it for a medical condition called hypothyroidism or low thyroid. Tyrosine is available over the counter as a dietary supplement in capsules or tablets. Thyroid disease should not be self-managed, and tyrosine should not be taken with thyroid medication. If you have symptoms of these conditions, or questions or concerns about tyrosine, talk to a health care professional.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is an amino acid found in dairy products, meats, fish and beans. It can also be made by the body using the amino acid phenylalanine. The thyroid gland uses tyrosine and iodine to create the thyroid hormones T3 and T4, which are responsible for controlling your metabolism. Although tyrosine deficiencies are rare, the UMMC says low levels of tyrosine have been associated with low thyroid function.
Thyroid Disease and Treatment
Thyroid disease presents as either too much thyroid hormone -- hyperthyroidism -- or too little thyroid hormone -- hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is treated with radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid medications and surgery. Tyrosine is not used for hyperthyroidism and can in fact be dangerous, as it is used to increase the production of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism is usually treated with thyroid medications. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, although tyrosine may be used for hypothyroidism, taking tyrosine supplements will not necessarily improve low thyroid.
Dosage
The Swedish Medical Center says that the typical therapeutic dosage of tyrosine used in research studies ranges from 7 gm to 30 gm daily. The SMC notes that tyrosine is generally regarded as safe, but adds that the supplement should be a high-quality product, as it is taken in multi-gram doses and a small amount of a contaminant could add up quickly. The UMMC notes that tyrosine may be helpful in the treatment of hypothyroidism. Recommendations for adult doses vary from 500 to 1000 mg three times a day, taken thirty minutes before meals. Note that this is considerably less than the amount used in the research studies.
Adverse Effects
The maximum safe dosage has not been established for young children, women who are pregnant or nursing, or people with severe liver or kidney disease. Some people have reported nausea, diarrhea, vomiting or nervousness at high doses of tyrosine.The UMMC also notes that if you have migraine headaches you should avoid tyrosine as it can trigger migraines.
Tyrosine and Medications
Tyrosine can interact with some medications: Marplan, Nardil, Parnate, Selegline, thyroid hormones and levodopa. If you want to use tyrosine and are on one of these medications, consult with a health care professional.
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