Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid that is part of the composition of proteins in the human body.

Normally, the body is able to synthesize enough tyrosine by converting another amino acid - phenylalanine. Tyrosine is present in additives, food, even in certain beverages.

In some diseases, such as phenylketonuria, tyrosine synthesis is impossible and it is therefore moved to the group of essential amino acids and must then be taken in the form of supplements or food sources.

Tyrosine maintains normal function of the thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands, as well as forming white and red blood cells.

It has an exceptionally important role in stimulating and regulating brain activity. It has the ability to improve mood and stimulate secretion of the hormones adrenaline and dopamine.

Benefits of Tyrosine

Tyrosine is part of the composition of most proteins in the body. As well, it is a starting material with which the human body produces catecholamines or neurotransmitters - hormones that play a role in conducting nerve impulses in the nervous system.

Tyrosine is believed to lower stress levels in the body. This also applies to physical stress which workouts cause in the body. It abates depression, anxiety and mental fatigue.

Tyrosine raises alertness; contributes to using less coffee; speeds up recovery after exercise; allows us to increase the intensity of workouts; protects against overtraining.

Tyrosine is an important amino acid for maintaining a fast metabolism. When people reduce their caloric intake during a diet, they also inadvertently lower their production of tyrosine, needed for the synthesis of natural metabolism stimulants.

As a result, metabolism slows and burning fat becomes an ever more difficult task.

Dangers of Tyrosine

Tyrosine is found in many foods and so far there have been no observed side effects of its use, even in excess amounts - in healthy people.

In only a small fraction of the people taking extra tyrosine there have been observable side effects such as insomnia and nervousness.

Use of tyrosine supplements is completely detrimental to persons with melanoma, with allergies to it and congenital metabolic diseases.

It is recommended to avoid tyrosine supplements if taking antidepressants. Additional intake of tyrosine can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure.

Sources of Tyrosine

Tyrosine is found naturally in all proteins of animal and plant origin. Turkey meat, tofu, seafood, yoghurt, legumes such as soybeans and beans, tuna are all especially rich in this amino acid.

Taking Tyrosine

An adult person needs to take in 2.8 - 6.4 g of tyrosine through their food daily. Additional intake through supplements usually provides an extra 0.5 - 1.5 g daily.

After swallowing, tyrosine is absorbed by the body in the small intestines thanks to sodium-dependent transport. It is then transported to the liver by the bloodstream.

There, tyrosine becomes involved in a number of processes. Any part of it that's not absorbed by the liver is transported to various tissues via the circulatory system.

Deficiency of Tyrosine

Deficiency of the amino acid tyrosine can lead to low body temperature and low blood pressure, while extended deficiency can cause hypothyroidism.