Tyrosine

Tyrosine . . helps relieve stress, irritability and fatigue*

Features & Benefits

Improves mild depressed moods and anxiety*1 

Helps night shift workers stay alert*2 

Helps relieve pre-menstrual discomfort*3 

Needed for the production of melanin, the pigment coloring hair and skin*4 

Precursor of dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenalin)–the body’s first line of defense when stressed*4, 5 , 6 

Facts About L-Tyrosine

Tyrosine, taken during exposure to stress, improves mood, decreases stress-related complaints and enhances mental performance.*1 In one study, soldiers were placed in a controlled environment, then the environment was rapidly changed to simulate 15,500 feet elevation. Those soldiers given tyrosine at the beginning of the experiment adapted much quicker to the stressful environment.*1, 7

They did both mental and physical tasks better than the placebo group.*1, 7 The tyrosine-supplemented soldiers had less muscle soreness and were more resistant to cold (15NC or 59NF).*1, 7

In another study, volunteers working at 39BF had short-term memory difficulties.8 When given 150 mg of tyrosine per 2.2 pounds of body weight, memory improved significantly in this crossover, double-blind study (22 g for a 150 lb person).*8 In a study that used a very loud noise as a stressor, researchers gave people a placebo or 100 mg of tyrosine per 2.2 pounds of body weight (15 g for a 150 lb person). The tyrosine supplements increased the level of norepinephrine and epinephrine, therefore the people who took tyrosine performed better on tests.*6 These neurotransmitters influence every cell in the body and stimulate the brain and nervous system. Alertness is increased and perception of fatigue is diminished.*6

In one study, after being awake all day, workers were given 150 mg tyrosine per 2.2 pounds of body weight or a placebo before working a night shift. Those workers who had tyrosine handled tasks better and with fewer errors.*2

Tyrosine has also been used to help women with pre-menstrual distress who were also found to have very low levels of tyrosine.*3 Women taking birth-control pills also were found to have very low levels of tyrosine.*9 , 10 The researchers concluded that there was a clear trend relating pre-menstrual distress to decreased tyrosine levels.*9

People with negative moods and anxiety who had low dopamine levels (a neurotransmitter active in the brain), felt better when given tyrosine.* They also tested higher on standard psychological tests.*  

Ingredient Highlights

Tyrosine is a non-essential aromatic amino acid that is made in the body from phenylalanine using niacin and glutamic acid. Important neurotransmitters are also made in the body from tyrosine, assisted by iron, copper, vitamins B-6 and C, and methionine.