L-Tyrosine functions as an amino acid that serves as a direct precursor to essential neurotransmitters including dopamine and norepinephrine, which regulate cognitive function, mood, and stress response.
L-Tyrosine enhances mental performance during stressful situations, improves focus, promotes cognitive flexibility, and supports overall brain health through its role in catecholamine synthesis.
L-Tyrosine works through a two-step enzymatic process beginning with Tyrosine Hydroxylase, converting into L-Dopa and subsequently into dopamine, which then transforms into norepinephrine and epinephrine to maintain optimal neurotransmitter levels during periods of cognitive demand.
Table of Contents
But what are the side effects of L-Tyrosine? What is L-Tyrosine used for exactly? And where is the best place to buy L-Tyrosine online?
Let’s take a closer look below.
L-Tyrosine in Summary
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid important for the production of dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters critical for cognitive function and mood regulation in humans. L-Tyrosine has been shown to improve mental performance under stress and may also help to protect against age-related cognitive decline conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease. The available evidence suggests that L-Tyrosine is safe and well-tolerated.
L-Tyrosine is the perfect nootropic for people who want to improve their mental performance under stress or for those who are concerned about age-related cognitive decline.
Pros:
- Helps to improve mental performance under stress
- Protects against age-related cognitive decline
- Well-tolerated and considered safe
- An all-natural nootropic
Cons:
- May not be effective for everyone
What Is L-Tyrosine?
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid used by the body to produce dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that play a role in mood, motivation, focus, and overall cognitive function.(1)
Tyrosine is a precursor to these neurotransmitters, meaning that it is required for their production. However, Tyrosine is not directly used by the body to produce dopamine and norepinephrine.
Instead, it must first be converted into L-Tyrosine in order to be used. This conversion occurs inside the brain(2) and is catalyzed by an enzyme called Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH).
Once L-Tyrosine has been produced, it can then be used by the body to produce dopamine and norepinephrine. Although Tyrosine and L-Tyrosine are similar in structure, they have different roles in the body.
As a result, Tyrosine supplements are sometimes taken in order to improve mood and cognitive function.
How Does L-Tyrosine Work In The Brain?
L-Tyrosine works in the brain by serving as a direct precursor for catecholamine neurotransmitters, including dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, which regulate cognitive function, mood, and stress response. L-Tyrosine converts to these essential neurotransmitters through a two-step enzymatic process that begins with Tyrosine Hydroxylase, allowing the brain to maintain optimal neurotransmitter levels during periods of stress or cognitive demand.
These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating mood, energy levels, and stress response. L-Tyrosine is converted into catecholamines by a two-step process that requires the enzyme Tyrosine Hydroxylase.
First, L-Tyrosine is converted into L-Dopa, which is then further converted into dopamine. Dopamine is then converted into norepinephrine and epinephrine by the enzymes dopamine beta-hydroxylase and phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, respectively.(3)
This two-step process provides the body with the raw materials necessary to produce all three catecholamine neurotransmitters.
According to Daubner et al., Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of dopamine and is thus a key regulator of dopamine levels in the brain.
TH activity is regulated by a number of factors, including catecholamines, GTP, energy levels, and neuronal activity. Catecholamines (e.g. norepinephrine and epinephrine) increase TH activity, while GTP inhibits it.
Energy levels also affect TH activity; when ATP levels are low, TH activity is increased in order to maintain dopamine levels.
Finally, neuronal activity can modulate TH activity; for example, high levels of firing inhibit TH activity, while low levels stimulate it. TH activity is tightly regulated through these mechanisms to ensure appropriate dopamine levels in the brain.
What Is L-Tyrosine Used For?
L-Tyrosine has a wide range of potential uses. For instance, it has been shown to improve mental performance during stressful situations and promotes cognitive flexibility.(4)
Additionally, L-Tyrosine is showing promising results as an anti-depressant in multiple animal studies.(5)
L-Tyrosine may also be helpful for treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A pilot study showed that when L-Tyrosine was combined with other monoamine amino acids like Tryptophan, 67% of the participants in the study achieved significant symptom reduction.(6)
L-Tyrosine has also been shown to stimulate the production of thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). These thyroid hormones play an important role in maintaining both overall physical and cognitive health.(7)
There is also some conflicting evidence when it comes to patients who suffer from phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder that causes an inability to break down the amino acid phenylalanine.
Some studies have shown that L-Tyrosine may help improve cognitive function in those with phenylketonuria, while a recent study from 2013 showed that there is no evidence to suggest that tyrosine should be routinely added to the diet of people with phenylketonuria.(8)
What Are The Benefits Of L-Tyrosine For Cognition?
Research suggests that L-Tyrosine is beneficial for overall cognition by improving mental performance during times of stress. Additionally, L-Tyrosine has been shown to improve cognitive performance in people with ADHD.(9)
L-Tyrosine benefits include enhanced cognitive performance during stress, improved focus, increased mental alertness, better mood regulation, and support for thyroid hormone production, which stem from its role in synthesizing dopamine and other catecholamine neurotransmitters.
Dopamine is involved in a wide range of cognitive processes, including attention, motivation, learning, and memory, which explains why L-Tyrosine is a popular supplement in the nootropic community.
Some of the benefits of L-Tyrosine for cognition include:
- Improving mental performance during stressful situations
- Promoting cognitive flexibility
- Improving symptoms of ADHD
- Stimulating the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4
Where To Buy L-Tyrosine Online?
If you’re looking for a reliable source of L-Tyrosine online, we recommend checking out Pure Nootropics. They offer a high-quality product that is third-party tested for purity and potency. Their L-Tyrosine comes in 90 capsules at 500 mg each at $9.99.
You can also buy L-Tyrosine from Amazon, although we don’t generally recommend buying nootropics from Amazon due to the risk of getting a subpar product.
What Do People Say About L-Tyrosine On Reddit?
Now that we know what L-Tyrosine is and what it’s used for, let’s take a look at some relevant references and what people are saying about it on Reddit.
“I’ve been using L-Tyrosine 500mg + 200mg Caffeine before work every day for the past 6 months. I’m a software engineer working in the financial sector. stressful job. I’ve found that it’s really helped me to focus and stay calm under pressure.” -/u/zjb22
“I use L-Tyrosine when I know I’ll be in a stressful situation or need to be extra alert. It definitely works for me. Better than some pharma medications that tend to increase my blood pressure.” -/u/burritomcgee
“I’ve been using L-Tyrosine for a few weeks now and I’m really impressed. It’s helped me to focus and stay motivated throughout the day. Especially on days where I have severe sleep deprivation.” -/u/nootroptard
How Do You Take L-Tyrosine For Cognitive Enhancement?
The best way to take L-Tyrosine for cognitive enhancement is to take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before you need to be cognitively sharp. If you experience any discomfort, you can take it with food as well. If you do that, however, it will take longer for the effects to kick in.
If you’re using L-Tyrosine for cognitive enhancement, there’s no need to cycle it. You can take it every day, as long as you don’t exceed the recommended dosage of 2 grams per day – more on this down below.
Most people split their L-Tyrosine dosage into two doses, taken in the morning and afternoon. This ensures that their levels of L-Tyrosine remain elevated throughout the day for optimal cognitive performance.
What Is The Recommended Dosage For L-Tyrosine?
The recommended L-Tyrosine dosage starts at 250 mg, which can be gradually increased until finding your optimal dose, with most people experiencing cognitive benefits in the 500-1000 mg range. Some individuals may require up to 2,000 mg, though doses exceeding 1,000 mg should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified medical professional to avoid potential side effects.
A dose between 500-1000 mg is usually the sweet spot for cognitive enhancement.
What Are The Side Effects Of L-Tyrosine?
L-Tyrosine side effects are typically mild and dose-dependent, including headaches, insomnia, restlessness, upset stomach, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and weight loss, which occur more frequently at higher dosages.
The side effects of L-Tyrosine are usually dose-dependent. That is, the higher the dose, the greater the chance of experiencing side effects. If you do experience any side effects, we recommend reducing your dose or discontinuing use altogether and speaking with your doctor or physician.
What Nootropics Are Similar To L-Tyrosine?
The nootropics that are similar to L-Tyrosine are:
- N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine – This is a more bioavailable form of L-Tyrosine that is easier for the body to absorb and use.
- DL-Phenylalanine – This amino acid is similar to L-Tyrosine in structure and function. It also has cognitive-enhancing effects and can be used to treat depression.
- L-Theanine – This amino acid is found in green tea and is known for its calming and relaxing effects. It can also help to enhance cognitive performance and reduce stress.
All of these nootropics are amino acids that have cognitive-enhancing effects. They all work similarly by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain (such as dopamine and norepinephrine).
That being said, L-Tyrosine is the best choice for those who want to improve cognitive performance under stress.
What Brain Supplements Can L-Tyrosine Be Stacked With?
L-Tyrosine can be effectively stacked with other supplements including choline sources like Alpha GPC or Citicoline, racetams, B vitamins, and comprehensive nootropic blends like NooCube, which enhances its cognitive benefits through synergistic effects. L-Tyrosine particularly complements caffeine and L-theanine stacks, where it helps prevent dopamine depletion while enhancing focus and mental clarity. This is because choline increases the synthesis of acetylcholine (ACh), a neurotransmitter essential for cognitive function.
When you stack L-Tyrosine with a choline source, you’re essentially giving your brain the raw materials it needs to produce more acetylcholine. This results in enhanced cognitive function, improved memory, and increased focus.
Other nootropics that stack well with L-Tyrosine include:
- Racetams – Racetams are a class of cognitive-enhancing drugs that work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Adding a racetam to your L-Tyrosine stack can further enhance cognitive function.
- NooCube – NooCube is a nootropic blend that contains various cognitive-enhancing compounds.
The great thing about NooCube is that it contains both L-Tyrosine and Alpha GPC as well as other nootropic ingredients that work synergistically to enhance cognitive function. No more buying and stacking different nootropics. NooCube has everything you need for optimal cognitive performance in one convenient pill.
If you’re looking for a complete and effective nootropic stack, we highly recommend trying NooCube. It’s our top-rated brain supplement and comes with a risk-free money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about L-Tyrosine:
Does L-Tyrosine Give You Energy?
L-Tyrosine increases energy levels by directly supporting the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which boost mental alertness, motivation, and physical stamina. L-Tyrosine provides this energy enhancement without the jittery side effects associated with stimulants, making it particularly effective for combating mental fatigue.
Is L-Tyrosine Good for Anxiety?
L-Tyrosine helps reduce anxiety by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which produce calming and anti-anxiety effects. L-Tyrosine particularly benefits individuals experiencing stress-induced anxiety by replenishing depleted neurotransmitters that regulate mood and emotional responses.
How Long Does It Take For L-Tyrosine To Work?
L-Tyrosine begins working within 30-60 minutes after consumption, which is the time needed for absorption into the bloodstream and transport to the brain where it supports neurotransmitter production. L-Tyrosine reaches peak effectiveness approximately 1-2 hours after ingestion, with cognitive effects typically lasting 4-6 hours depending on individual metabolism and dosage. This is because it takes time for L-Tyrosine to be absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the brain, where it can then be used to support the production of neurotransmitters.
How Does L-Tyrosine Make You Feel?
L-Tyrosine gives you a lift in mood, better focus, concentration, and motivation. It also has anti-anxiety effects, which can help to reduce stress levels and overall sense of well-being.
What’s The Half-Life Of L-Tyrosine?
L-Tyrosine has a short half-life of 1-2 hours. This means that it takes the body 1-2 hours to break down and eliminate half of the L-Tyrosine that has been consumed.
Is It Safe To Use L-Tyrosine?
L-Tyrosine is a safe, natural nootropic that has been shown to be well-tolerated in human studies with GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status from the FDA. L-Tyrosine maintains an excellent safety profile when taken within recommended dosages, with any side effects typically being mild and temporary, occurring primarily when exceeding suggested amounts.
What Are the Food Sources of L-Tyrosine?
L-Tyrosine naturally occurs in many high-protein foods including beef, cheese, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, oats, wheat, and beans, with beef and cheese containing the highest concentrations of this amino acid. L-Tyrosine can be obtained through a balanced diet containing these protein-rich foods, though supplementation provides more precise dosing for cognitive enhancement purposes. The highest concentrations are found in beef and cheese.
What Are the Drug Interactions of L-Tyrosine?
L-Tyrosine interacts with MAO inhibitors, Levodopa, thyroid medications, and other drugs that affect dopamine levels, which can lead to potentially dangerous side effects including serotonin syndrome when combined with SSRI antidepressants. L-Tyrosine should not be taken with these medications without medical supervision, as the combination can cause dangerous blood pressure elevations or neurotransmitter imbalances. It is also important to note that L-Tyrosine supplements should not be taken with SSRI antidepressants (such as Levodopa) as this combination can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
What Are the Conditions That L-Tyrosine Is Used For?
L-Tyrosine treats conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, stress, and cognitive decline by supporting neurotransmitter production essential for proper brain function. L-Tyrosine also shows promise for phenylketonuria management, thyroid disorders, and as an adjunct therapy for Parkinson’s disease, though clinical evidence varies in strength across these applications.
Conclusion
L-Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that is widely used as a dietary supplement to increase the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine. It can enhance cognitive function and therefore improve motivation, alertness, mood, and productivity.
L-Tyrosine is GRAS (generally recognized as safe) according to The Food and Drug Administration and considered safe in daily 250 mg to 1000 mg dosages. It is one of the most popular dietary supplements of recent years with little to no negative side effects.
If you’re looking for a nootropic that can help to improve cognitive function and increase productivity without having to worry about any harsh side effects, then L-Tyrosine could be the perfect supplement for you.
- Jongkees, Bryant J et al. “Effect of tyrosine supplementation on clinical and healthy populations under stress or cognitive demands–A review.” Journal of psychiatric research vol. 70 (2015): 50-7. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.08.014↩
- Bloemendaal, Mirjam et al. “Neuro-Cognitive Effects of Acute Tyrosine Administration on Reactive and Proactive Response Inhibition in Healthy Older Adults.” eNeuro vol. 5,2 ENEURO.0035-17.2018. 30 Apr. 2018, doi:10.1523/ENEURO.0035-17.2018↩
- Daubner, S Colette et al. “Tyrosine hydroxylase and regulation of dopamine synthesis.” Archives of biochemistry and biophysics vol. 508,1 (2011): 1-12. doi:10.1016/j.abb.2010.12.017↩
- Steenbergen, Laura et al. “Tyrosine promotes cognitive flexibility: evidence from proactive vs. reactive control during task switching performance.” Neuropsychologia vol. 69 (2015): 50-5. doi:10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2015.01.022↩
- Alabsi, Abdelrahman et al. “The Antidepressant Effect of L-Tyrosine-Loaded Nanoparticles: Behavioral Aspects.” Annals of neurosciences vol. 23,2 (2016): 89-99. doi:10.1159/000443575↩
- Hinz, Marty et al. “Treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with monoamine amino acid precursors and organic cation transporter assay interpretation.” Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment vol. 7 31-8. 26 Jan. 2011, doi:10.2147/NDT.S16270↩
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK285550/↩
- Webster, Diana, and Joanne Wildgoose. “Tyrosine supplementation for phenylketonuria.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 2013,6 CD001507. 5 Jun. 2013, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001507.pub3↩
- Ahn, James et al. “Natural Product-Derived Treatments for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Safety, Efficacy, and Therapeutic Potential of Combination Therapy.” Neural plasticity vol. 2016 (2016): 1320423. doi:10.1155/2016/1320423↩