Tyrosine and its properties, side effects, and benefits

Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that is produced from phenylalanine, another amino acid found in food. It is a precursor to l-tyrosine and allows its production through an organic chemical reaction called hydroxylation.

Tyrosine properties

It belongs to the group of 20 protein amino acids that form proteins, and it can take three forms (isomers): meta-tyrosine, ortho-tyrosine, and para-tyrosine, which is the most interesting in terms of its benefits in the human body. The latter is available in supplements in the form of powder, tablets, and is also known as L-tyrosine in 500 mg and 100 mg capsules. Its properties include:

• Water-soluble.
• Precursor of catecholamines and thyroid hormones.
• Affects mood. Low tyrosine levels cause anxiety and depression.
• Allows transmission of signals from the central nervous system.
• Interacts in the fat accumulation metabolism.
• Part of the thyroid mechanism.
• Increases endurance and reduces fatigue.
• Important for creating melanin and protecting the skin from ultraviolet light.
• Stimulates the creation of myelin, which increases the transmission of nerve impulses.

Relationship between tyrosine and phenylalanine

Naturally, many common compounds and substances in life appear from precursor molecules that were already part of the organism. In humans, tyrosine appears from the hydroxylation of phenylalanine, while in some microorganisms its synthesis can be detected from profenate.

All of this creates a connection. For you to have the amino acid tyrosine under normal conditions, you must have previously consumed phenylalanine. After that, when there is a demand for adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine—all catecholamines—you will produce more or less tyrosine synthesis.

Of course, you can also have more tyrosine by ingesting it directly, meaning taking 1 or 2 tyrosine capsules per day. So since this is possible, let’s look at the brands, formats, available containers, and recommended daily dose.

Role in catecholamine synthesis

These are neurotransmitters that transmit information. Catecholamines are aminohormones present in the blood and synaptic clefts. They need this amino acid to be produced, and their functions are hormonal and nervous depending on where they are produced. So it is very important to maintain good tyrosine levels because if they are low, there will be fewer catecholamines, and obesity, stress, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease could develop.

They are involved in changing the body’s activity, such as walking, running, fleeing, etc.

Tyrosine dosage

• 500 to 1500 mg per day.

You should take it divided with meals 2 or 3 times a day. Before bed, you should have taken this amount to produce all its benefits on the nervous system and reduce fatigue symptoms.

Side effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Feeling of nausea.
• Diarrhea.
• Sensation of nervousness.

In general, it is rare to experience these unwanted effects or adverse reactions, although they may occur if the L-tyrosine dosage is exceeded. Some people may develop side effects when taking tyrosine within the recommended values. In that case, stop taking it and if the symptoms persist, consult a doctor.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy.
• Women during lactation.
• Not for children.
• Renal patients.
• Liver diseases related to the liver.
• MAO antidepressants.
• Thyroid disorder.
• Malignant melanoma or skin cancer.

It is always recommended to take amino acids when a nutrition or health professional advises it. If you are in one of these situations, you should avoid consuming capsules or supplements that contain it. In the case of foods rich in tyrosine, they should be monitored, although it shouldn’t be a problem unless there is a medical prescription with a strict diet in amino acids or enzymes tyrosine kinase.

Synthesis of melanin from tyrosine and tyrosinase

The color of the skin, spots, freckles, and hair tone are products of melanin pigments. These increase to protect cells and tissues from ultraviolet radiation in the environment. For tyrosine to become melanin, the participation of tyrosinase, a copper-containing catalytic protein, is necessary.

For hair and skin pigments (the substances that give color) to be produced, oxidation is needed, and the responsible enzyme is tyrosinase, also known as phenolase or polyphenol oxidase.

Is it the same as tyrosine kinase?

Although the name may cause confusion, they are different things. Tyrosine kinase is an enzyme that transfers phosphate to the tyrosine residue left by a protein. This organic chemistry process is known as phosphorylation, and it is important because through this process, cellular receptors can be activated to send and receive messages between cells.

When to take tyrosine

• People with chronic fatigue.
• In states of drowsiness and when alertness is needed.
• When memory is poor.
• With attention deficit disorder.
• To improve mood and stabilize the central nervous system during stress.
• Poor sleep.
• Activate fat metabolism in weight loss diets.
• When there are allergies, especially skin allergies.
• When practicing a lot of sports.

It can be acquired in various establishments or taken through foods rich in tyrosine. However, to include a good daily dose of high-concentration l-tyrosine 500 mg for weight loss or to improve the body, it is most convenient. Of course, its use should always be indicated by a specialist. It will help improve brain function, alertness, and stress response.

Buy n-acetyl-l-tyrosine

This formulation has acetylation, which, according to some theories, offers greater bioavailability, meaning it is better absorbed by the body when ingested. If the levogyral L form improves the common one, n-acetyl-l-tyrosine can increase absorption and therefore waste less quantity. So in the end, it is more effective.

However, if you buy acetyl or L-tyrosine, you will notice its effects completely, and there will probably be no difference except for the price. Big brands distribute both products, and people’s opinions who have used them are similar. Antioxidant effects, protection of cell membranes, and stability of the nervous system.