by Marie Harger |
L-tyrosine has lots to boast about. It helps to regulate moods, and stimulates the metabolism and nervous system. This supplement is an amino acid, a protein building block that plays a role in easing effects of stress and aids in the functions of adrenal, thyroid and pituitary glands. It is a busy amino acid with many functions, some being complex. The average person taking daily supplements probably does not take L-tryosine. In fact, they may have not heard of it.
Why is L-tyrosine so important, and if most people have never heard of it, why is it important to know about? Found to greatly effect mood related disorders, it is used to reduce stress, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, low sex drive, allergies, and headaches. Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s and dementia have been improved by supplementation, as well as a diet high in protein that contains L-tryosine.
Additionally, it is a precursor to neurotransmitters, hormones, alkaloids and the pigment melanin for hair and skin color of the body. As a precursor to the body’s two main stress-related hormones (norepinephrine and epinephrine) L-tyrosine may ease adverse effects of environmental, psychosocial and physical stress. It also suppresses the appetite, helps to reduce body fat and acts as a mild antioxidant. Involved in so many functions there is a good chance most people have at least one of the above conditions that can benefit from taking L-tryosine either through diet or supplementation.
When levels of L-tyrosine are low the result is irritability, anxiety, sadness, frustration, low blood pressure, low body temperature and restless leg syndrome.
The daily recommended dosage for the average person is 500 mg. For better absorption in the body, take L-tyrosine as a supplement at bedtime or with a meal high in carbohydrates. This way it does not have to compete with other amino acids.
Cautions for this supplement are for those who have been prescribed medication for depression. The drugs often prescribed for this condition contain monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors and when taken with the supplement L-tyrosine a possible sudden and dangerous rise in blood pressure can occur. A physician should be consulted.
Where can L-tyrosine be found? Natural sources are found in many high protein foods such as soy, meat, peanuts, almonds, avocados, bananas, milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, lima beans, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds.
Some sources say L-tyrosine should not be supplemented because it can easily be obtained through eating high protein foods. To be safe consult with your doctor, licensed Nutritionist or dietician.
References:
- Balch, Phyllis A. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, fourth edition. Penguin Group/books Ltd. New York, NY and London, England, 2006.
- www.evitamins.com/healthnotes.com
- www.nutritional-supplements-guide.com/benefits
- www.en.wikipedia.org
