Tyrosine - the role in the body and the beneficial properties of the amino acid

Tyrosine is a conditionally essential aminocarboxylic acid involved in catabolism and anabolism, including the synthesis of muscle protein, dopamine, and neurotransmitters. Formed from phenylalanine.

Tyrosine synthesis mechanism

The empirical formula of tyrosine is C₉H₁₁NO₃, phenylalanine is C₉H₁₁NO₂. Tyrosine is formed according to the following scheme:

C₉H₁₁NO₂ + phenylalanine-4-hydroxylase => C₉H₁₁NO₃.

Biological effects of tyrosine

How tyrosine affects the body and what functions it performs:

• serves as a plastic material for the formation of melanin, catecholamine hormones or catecholamines (adrenaline and norepinephrine, dopamine, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, L-dioxyphenalalanine), neurotransmitters and neurotransmitters;
• takes part in the functioning of the thyroid and adrenal glands;
• develops endurance under stress, promotes early recovery;
• has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system and vestibular apparatus;
• favors detoxification;
• exhibits antidepressant action;
• increases mental concentration;
• takes part in heat exchange;
• suppresses catabolism;
• relieves signs of premenstrual syndrome.

The use of tyrosine for weight loss

Due to its ability to enhance the utilization of fats, L-tyrosine is used during drying (weight loss) under the supervision of a sports doctor.

How much tyrosine is needed per day

The daily dose of tyrosine ranges from 0.5-1.5 grams, depending on the psycho-emotional and physical condition. Taking the amino acid for more than 3 consecutive months is not recommended. It is best to consume with meals with a little water.

In order to enhance the therapeutic effect, tyrosine is recommended to be used together with methionine and vitamins B6, B1 and C.

Lack and excess of tyrosine, signs and consequences

An excess (hypertyrosinosis or hypertyrosinia) or a deficiency (hypothyrosinia or hypothyrosinosis) of the amino acid tyrosine in the body can lead to metabolic disorders.

Symptoms of excess and lack of tyrosine are nonspecific, which makes diagnosis difficult. When making a diagnosis, it is important to take into account the anamnestic data (transferred on the eve of the disease, taken medications, being on a diet).

Excess

An excess of tyrosine can manifest itself as an imbalance in work:

• adrenal glands;
• central and peripheral nervous system;
• thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).

Disadvantage

Amino acid deficiency is characterized by the following symptoms:

• increased activity in children;
• lowering blood pressure (blood pressure);
• decrease in body temperature;
• inhibition of physical and mental activity in adults;
• muscle weakness;
• depression;
• mood swings;
• weight gain with regular meals;
• restless legs syndrome;
• hair loss;
• increased sleepiness;
• decreased appetite.

Tyrosine deficiency can be the result of a lack of its intake with food or insufficient formation from phenylalanine.

Hypertyrosinosis is characterized in part by the increased stimulation of thyroxine production (Graves disease):

• a noticeable decrease in body weight;
• sleep disturbance;
• increased excitability;
• dizziness;
• headaches;
• tachycardia;
• dyspeptic symptoms (lack of appetite, nausea, heartburn, vomiting, increased acidity of gastric juice, hyperacid gastritis or gastric or duodenal ulcer).

Contraindications

Tyrosine preparations are not recommended for use with:

• intolerance or allergic reactions to the components of the supplement or drug;
• diseases of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism);
• mental illness (schizophrenia);
• hereditary tyrosinemia;
• treatment with MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors;
• Parkinson's syndrome.

Side effects

Side effects are diverse and are determined not only by the individual characteristics of a person, but also by the variety of biochemical reactions in which aminocarboxylic acid takes part. In this regard, in order to prevent them, it is recommended to start taking the amino acid with the minimum dosage under the supervision of the attending physician.

The most common side effects include arthralgia, headache, heartburn, and nausea.

Interaction

A change in the pharmacological effect of tyrosine is not excluded when used together with alcohol, opiates, steroids or sports supplements. In this regard, it is advisable to increase the number of drugs taken gradually in order to exclude an undesirable combination if necessary.

Tyrosine-rich foods

The amino acid is found in the meat of mammals, birds and fish, soybeans, peanuts, dairy products, beans, wheat, oatmeal, seafood, food additives.

Sports nutrition with L-tyrosine

L-Tyrosine is available in 1100 mg tablets and 400 mg, 500 mg or 600 mg capsules. 1 plastic jar contains 60 tablets, or 50, 60 or 100 capsules. Microcrystalline cellulose, aerosil and Mg stearate are used as fillers.

The price in a pharmacy for 60 capsules of 500 mg is in the range of 900-1300 rubles.

Application and doses

The average daily requirement for tyrosine for an adult is 25 mg / kg (1.75 g / day). Doses can vary depending on the purpose of using the substance (selected by the attending physician).

It is recommended to dilute products with tyrosine in apple or orange juice.

Watch the video: L-Tyrosine and 5-HTP: Do you NEED to take them together? (May 2025).