L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is the dopamine-boosting nootropic workhorse.
Supplemental L-Tyrosine triggers the production of dopamine and noradrenaline within the body. It is an anti-stress supplement, and also boosts levels of cognition and has a stimulatory effect.
L-Tyrosine preserves working memory during acute stressors and changes perceptions of stress to limit symptoms.
Unlike some nootropics, L-Tyrosine levels remain increased for up to four hours after ingestion.
What is L-Tyrosine?
L-Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that is responsible for increasing adrenaline and dopamine levels. With these levels increased, memory becomes preserved and stress reduced.
Some nootropics take their time to kick in, but L-Tyrosine begins working within 60 minutes. Its effects may last up to four hours, with some seeing two or three hours of efficient use.
It is ideal to take before acute stress situations, even such as being out in cold weather. Cognitive health is significantly improved, even during periods of stress like this. The body and brain both remain at full ability.
This amino acid is often a precursor to dopamine. It can impact the chemicals in the brain to create an enhanced mood. It is considered safe to take in small doses.
A healthy glandular function is also achieved using this supplement, as it is partially responsible for synthesizing the thyroid hormone.
L-Tyrosine is available from a handful of online stores. I personally take the New Mood Formula from Onnit. It is available in pill form. It can also get purchased from any supplement or health store.
Other Names for L-Tyrosine
The product is also known as Tyrosine or N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine.
Editor’s Note
I tried taking L-tyrosine by itself and did great with it for awhile. I now recommend taking an additional supplement with it, however, as it began to make my heart beat faster and left me short of breath.
I suggest ingesting a supplement of 5-HTP along with the L-tyrosine. The tyrosine on its own is ideal for improving productivity and energy, but it can have adverse effects on serotonin levels.
Once I took it for more than six months, I experienced a serotonin deficiency that induced panic-like symptoms. The 5-HTP helps keep serotonin levels balanced, so this is not a problem.
It is not ideal to take both of these supplements for an extended period, but they work when an energy boost is needed.
In my experience, my brain power came completely back after using L-tyrosine. I used it for a few months to get out of the funk that a poor diet made me feel.
Tyrosine immediately gave me a better ability to focus. I would say it has a similar impact to caffeine, as it a stimulatory option, but it is much stronger. You feel as though your brain just turns on and is ready to go.
I suggest a dose of both the L-tyrosine and 5-HTP any time you need a boost of mental energy. It instantly makes me feel ready to take on anything, and there are no adversarial effects if I take both supplements together.
It is a very useful nootropic that works well for its intended purpose.
L-Tyrosine Reviews
I scoured the Internet to find reviews and came across many users who have taken L-Tyrosine. Overall, people are finding the supplement very useful.
The ability to concentrate is there, along with having round the clock energy and feeling more confident. One person reported a significantly improved mood, yet no side effects.
Many agree the supplement works well and provides the mental abilities they need during a stressful incident. They recommend taking it at least 30 or 60 minutes before needed, so it has time to work.
Benefits and effects
Combats Stress
L-Tyrosine is most effective at combating stress. The supplement works for this issue because stressful times release catecholamines. Excessive catecholamines lead to depleted levels of dopamine and norepinephrine.
L-Tyrosine creates more of these and allows the body to remain calm under stressful situations.
Improves Alertness
Alertness and cognitive function are also significantly enhanced by L-Tyrosine. Physical stress does not make sharpness decline. Memory is even improved and retained during stressful times.
With improved cognitive function, you can use your full mental capabilities during any situation. It makes you more aware of your surroundings and puts you at the top of your game.
Improves Mood Disorders
Numerous mood disorders plaque the world. L-Tyrosine helps to improve these disorders thanks to the increased levels of dopamine in the system.
The mood is one of the things improved by this supplement. Rather than feeling weak and tired, people taking this supplement are more likely to feel upbeat and positive.
It is even used to treat signs of anxiety and depression. Feelings of panic are less likely to be experienced.
The increased dopamine levels work to make the brain feel happier and more relaxed. This often puts a person in better spirits and lifts their mood.
Increases the Absorption of Amino Acids
Certain amino acids are deemed non-essential, including L-Tyrosine.
The body creates it on its own, without the need for a supplement. Some essential amino acids are not made by the body, and must be created with help.
Extra amounts of L-tyrosine help the body create these essential compounds, and increases the rate of absorption.
This makes the body overall function better. Phenylalanine produces more tyrosine and brings the same mood-enhancing benefits.
How It Works
With L-Tyrosine consumed, the body begins working to convert the supplement into dopamine. The extra dopamine levels then create an enhanced mood.
The neurotransmitters of the brain are sent messages to be on mental alert and peak performance for the time being. An enhanced mood helps people tackle tasks more easily.
Adrenaline levels are also enhanced with the help of L-Tyrosine. It sends a signal to the brain to fight stress, which leads to increased mental awareness and capabilities during stressful periods.
The ability to handle stress comes more easily, which limits issues with anxiety. People are less likely to experience common anxiety symptoms, such as racing thoughts, trembling, and sweating.
It can take a full hour before the supplement begins working, so it is best to take it at least an hour prior to any known period of stress, such as going into the cold, working out, or following a night of no sleep.
Some even suggest taking it up to two hours prior to ensure the full effects are felt by the time the stressor is present.
The effects have lasted for up to four hours for some, although the common timeframe is between two and three hours of effectiveness.
The tyrosine must not be taken with food, as it will bind to the protein instead of crossing the barrier to the brain and creating its effects. Taking it on an empty stomach ensures the full effects are felt.
Dosage
The dosage depends on what the supplement is needed for and how the body reacts. 500mg is the most commonly seen dose, but some have taken up to 2,000mg per day. It is only needed one time a day, but may be taken up to three times at most.
It often comes in pill form which should be taken by mouth. A powder form is available as well. This option may get mixed into a drink. It is best to take with water and between meals to see the full effects.
Men and women can take the same amount, although it is not advised for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to use the supplement without a doctor’s consent.
Those who take the pill for some time may start to see lessened effects, which indicates the need for an increased dose.
Side Effects
It is not common to have side effects while taking L-Tyrosine. Those who do experience side effects are often those who take the supplement on a daily basis, for months at a time.
They may experience dizziness, headaches, rapid heart rate, and overstimulation if too much of the supplement is in the body. It is best to lower the dose if these effects occur, or take time off from taking the product altogether.
It should not be taken with food. Instead, consume the pill between mealtimes. It is safe to take with other supplements, such as 5-HTP, but is not recommended for those who have a thyroid issue, especially if they take a thyroid hormone.
L-Dopa and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors should also be avoided, as a mixture of these with L-Tyrosine could lead to high blood pressure. Avoid drinking caffeine as well. [1]
Stacking
L-Tyrosine can be taken alone, but does well in nootropic stacks for increased benefits.
Emotional imbalances can get sorted out faster with a stack of L-Tyrosine and 5-HTP. Taking one supplement alone may eventually lead to side effects while taking both together helps to balance each other out.
Mood balance gets restored with both options. 5-HTP is also well-tolerated in the body which further helps to limit the chances of side effects occurring.
5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin. Since L-Tyrosine can make seratonin levels tank, taking both together ensures this does not happen.
The body will feel more relaxed and calm while still getting to experience the added energy and mental alertness. The two can be found in an already-stacked supplement or can be taken in separate pill forms at the same time.
1x Per Day
- 500mg L-Tyrosine
- 50mg 5-HTP
Alternatives
1. N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine is essentially the same supplement, although its effects are easier to obtain. This form is more soluble and can be absorbed into the body more easily.
Only a 350mg dose is needed to achieve the same effects as a 500mg dose of the common form of L-Tyrosine.
There is also somewhat of a price difference. Since L-Tyrosine is usually sought after due to its well-known capabilities, it is more costly.
The acetyl version costs less money due to its lower dose. It is usually possible to purchase either a 100mg bottle, or a smaller 25mg option.
2. L-Dopa
L-Dopa is primarily used to make more dopamine in the body. While L-Tyrosine does this as well, it also goes a step further to create an additional mood-enhancing chemical.
Those who take tyrosine for its dopamine increase can look into levodopa as an alternative. It is able to reach the brain and begin working more quickly.
This option is primarily used to treat Parkinson’s disease. There are more side effects commonly seen with this choice than with the original option. People are more likely to experience vivid dreams, anxiety, drowsiness, and low blood pressure.
2. Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is not made in the body. It is an essential amino acid found in food forms. The body immediately takes phenylalanine and transforms it into tyrosine that can create more proteins and chemicals that are beneficial.
Many people have a phenylalanine deficiency, which can lead to memory problems, decreased alertness, and depression.
Taking this supplement will combat those deficiencies and allow your body to make more tyrosine on its own. A 500mg dose is common for this supplement as well. [2]
Check out these other options to find the most affordable and effective option for your needs.
Conclusion
L-Tyrosine offers a fast way to boost your mood and improve your cognitive function during stressful situations.
Whether you are grinding at work, hanging out with friends, or simply need a pick-me-up, L-Tyrosine is a great solution for quickly boosting your mood.
The supplement provides a better ability to focus in any situation, and gives the brain power necessary to work effectively during hard times.
It is a worthwhile supplement to take on a regular basis, as long as it is paired with 5-HTP that can keep serotonin levels in check.