What Does Tyrosine Do?

As dietary supplements go, tyrosine is an essential mineral that aids in maintaining the body's normal functioning processes. Daily stress, worry and anxiety all take a toll on our overall health. A multipurpose supplement like tyrosine can work wonders in balancing the body's equilibrium. This article will cover the different uses for tyrosine and how it works within the body.

Identification

Tyrosine is an organic compound that's naturally manufactured by the body. It was first discovered as an ingredient in cheese protein by a German chemist named Justus von Liebig in 1846. It's classified as a nonessential amino acid, as the body manufactures it on its own through the breakdown of phenylalanine. Tyrosine is one of the 20 amino acids found in protein molecules.

Function

Tyrosine plays a large part in the making of the body's hormones. Adrenal hormones, thyroid hormones and melanin (skin hormone) are all made with tyrosine. These chemicals are the essential building blocks for the central nervous system, and maintain our overall body-metabolism function.

As brain neurotransmitters, these hormones work to regulate our moods and emotions. Mood-regulating transmitters like dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine all depend on adequate amounts of tyrosine to function. During times of stress, the body converts the thyroid hormone into adrenalin. As such, healthy levels of tyrosine are needed for healthy brain function.

Benefits

Its involvement in so many vital body functions makes tyrosine an all-purpose supplement. If the body is running low on tyrosine, it can manifest itself in a number of areas, depending on your life circumstances. High amounts of stress on a daily basis will deplete tyrosine levels in the body. So do caffeine, sugar and alcohol if ingested on a regular basis.

Other possible symptoms of low tyrosine levels include:

· low energy levels
· low sex drive
· high anxiety levels
· sadness
· irritability

Tyrosine supplements are known to help alleviate symptoms related to depression, mood disorders, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Its effect on the body's metabolism also aids in weight loss, as well as bodybuilding.

Features

Tyrosine that's produced by the body is called L-tyrosine, while the supplement brand goes by tyrosine. The supplement form can be purchased online, in drug stores or from vitamin-herbal specialty stores. Natural tyrosine can be found in many of the foods that we eat. Foods with a high protein content--like meats, poultry, seafood, dairy products, wheat and oats--are all good sources. If taken in supplement form, the recommended dosage is 100mg per 2.2 lbs. of body weight. It's best absorbed by the body when taken at bedtime or between meals. These are the times when stomach acids are at a minimum.

Considerations

As with any dietary supplement, it's always best to consult with your doctor, especially if you're on any type of prescription medication. Do not take tyrosine without first consulting your doctor if you're currently on:

· MAO inhibitors
· Antidepressants
· Parkinson's medications
· Alzheimer's medications

This also applies if you've been diagnosed with diabetes.

As tyrosine is a natural body compound, any possible side effects will only occur when it is taken in mega doses of 1,000mg or more. Otherwise, when it is taken as recommended, there are no side effects. Symptoms to look out for in the case of side effects are:

· depression
· stomach discomfort
· headaches
· mood swings
· mild to moderate chest pains
· difficulty breathing
· tightness in the chest or throat

Resources

• Information on Tyrosine
• Tyrosine Reference Information