Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that the body produces from phenylalanine, another amino acid. Tyrosine is vital to many functions, including the production of melanin -- the pigment that determines hair and skin color -- and many neurotransmitters, including dopamine, the brain's mood regulator. According to researchers at the University of Texas, individuals who have an addiction or dependence on alcohol suffer from neurotransmitter deficiencies. For that reason, tyrosine supplementation may be effective in treating alcoholism by improving mood and stress tolerance as well as potentially reducing alcohol cravings.
Benefits for Alcoholics
For individuals who suffer from neurotransmitter deficiencies in the brain, cravings for alcohol or other addictive substances may be higher than in those with normal levels. Tyrosine supplementation can reduce stress and relieve alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Higher levels of serotonin and dopamine reduce an individual's anxiety and increases positive mood. According to a double-blind research study performed by the University of Michigan, alcoholics treated with tyrosine, tryptophan and a multivitamin showed reduced withdrawal symptoms and lower levels of stress.
How to Take It
There are two ways that tyrosine can be added to an individual's diet. The first is through food sources. Soy and seaweed products, meat, fish, nuts and dairy products all have high levels of tyrosine. Tyrosine is also available in tablets or caplets as a dietary supplement. Supplements can be purchased at natural health and vitamin retail stores. The University of Maryland recommends taking tyrosine supplements 30 minutes before each meal, along with B-6 and B-9 vitamins for best results.
Dosage
Before adding tyrosine to any treatment plan, alcoholics should consult with their medical practitioner to determine what dosage of the supplement is appropriate for their individual diet. Health professionals recommend between 500 and 1,000 mg before each meal. Taking the supplement with a multivitamin has been shown in studies to increase its effectiveness.
Precautions
Because tyrosine can interact with other drugs, individuals should consult a doctor before consuming the supplement. Tyrosine can trigger migraine headaches in some individuals, and those with hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease should avoid the supplement, which can increase thyroid hormone levels. Tyrosine may increase blood pressure in individuals taking certain antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Individuals taking levodopa to treat Parkinson's disease should also avoid tyrosine.
