Tyrosine, also known as 4-hydroxyphenylalanine, is one of the 22 amino acids that are used by the cells of our body to create proteins. As it is created within our bodies, it is referred to as a non-essential amino acid. This means there is no need for us to consume Tyrosine (4-hydroxyphenylalanine) to make it work within our system (even though supplements can prove to be beneficial).
Tyrosine is present in various high protein foods like turkey, chicken, peanuts, fish, avocadoes, almonds, cheese, milk, yogurt, and so on. This supplement is also rich in insulin and some important enzymes. It helps in various processes within our bodies, including influencing the production of various neurotransmitters.
Effects of Tyrosine
Tyrosine is created within our bodies through another amino acid, known as Phenylalanine. If you ingest it in the form of pill, capsule, or powder, it will move through your blood-brain barrier and enter into your central nervous system quite fast.
Tyrosine serves as a precursor, or a building block, to various neurotransmitters within your brain. Your neurons use these nerochemicals to communicate with each other and create electrical signals. As the level of neurotransmitters Epinephrine, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine increases, Tyrosine influences various functions and processes within the body. These chemicals particularly help in functions concerning attention, focus, and alertness in the brain.
Tyrosine (4-hydroxyphenylalanine) also helps in the synthesis and production of hormone and additional chemicals like Melanin. Melanin is a pigment that is responsible for the color of our hair and skin. The supplement also helps in functioning of organs that makes and regulates hormones through the body, like pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands. It also helps build almost every protein structure in our bodies.
Benefits of Tyrosine
One of the most interesting benefits of Tyrosine is that it helps in reducing stress levels. This is related to production of Norepinephrine and Epinephrine, which are stress hormones in our bodies.
Various studies have proved that together with helping deal with stress, Tyrosine also helps other conditions like fatigue, prolonged work, sleep deprivation, and cold. Some evidences also suggest that under these conditions, the cognitive functions might also improve. Tyrosine is also known for helping improve intellectual capacity and mental performance.
This supplement may even help prevent depression. This is because of the creation of neurotransmitters like Dopamine, which helps in improving general mood. It is believed that it also improves the overall quality of nerve transmissions and impulses. Dopamine may play a role in libido, sex drive, and motivation.
Tyrosine supplements can prove beneficial in maintaining an ideal body weight. By boosting the levels of Epinephrine and Norepinephrine, this compound can reduce stored body fat, and also serve as an appetite suppressant.
Tyrosine Dosage
As per researches and clinical studies, up to 12 grams Tyrosine can be consumed each day. However, taking such high doses is not advisable, unless you have been recommended so by a physician. The daily, generally accepted dosage, ranges between 1 to 5 grams. This can be divided into several doses per day, so that you can offer a consistent supply to your system.
Leave a Reply