L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that the body used to synthesize protein. It is found naturally in high protein foods, such as peanuts, turkey, chicken and soy. It is a white crystalline powder and is used as a nutritional enhancer. Though it’s considered safe, some are convinced it has potentially dangerous health effects.
What Is L-Tyrosine?
L-Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that can be synthesized by the body. It can be used to regulate mood and stimulate the nervous system. It’s also used in the treatment of chronic fatigue and to speed up metabolism.
Possible Side Effects of L-Tyrosine
Although L-Tyrosine generally regarded as a very safe and effective supplement, there can be some minor side effects. The side effects may:
- nausea, heartburn;
- headache;
- joint pain; or
- feeling tired.
GRAS Affirmation: Yes
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) is an American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designation that a chemical or substance added to food is considered safe by experts, and so is exempted from the usual Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) food additive tolerance requirements. L-Tyrosine is considered safe.
Suggested Dosage
If you do not have any need to, you should not take L-tyrosine as supplements without consulting your doctor. Research has revealed that 100 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight or an average of about 7 grams for average-sized people are safe to use for those that suffer from the aforementioned conditions.
However, a dose of 500 milligrams to 1500 milligrams per day of supplemental tyrosine is mostly recommended for those taking it for stress management, weight loss and body building. Generally, the L-Tyrosine dosage would depend on why you are taking the drug. Always ask your caregiver about how much tyrosine supplements to take in.
Special Populations Precaution
There is a lot of concern about diet and nutrition for these population, like Newborns, children, pregnant, sensitive to L-Tyrosine populations. Better consult to your doctor if you would like to intake L-Tyrosine.
Related Research
1. Review of L-tyrosine confirming its safe human use as an adjuvant. [J Appl Toxicol. 2002 Sep-Oct] Author: Baldrick P, Richardson D, Wheeler AW.
2. Administration of supplemental L-tyrosine with phenelzine: a clinical literature review. [Clin Pharmacol. 2014 Jul 22] Author: Hinz M, Stein A, Cole T, Ryan P.
3. Novel synthesis of gold nanoclusters templated with l-tyrosine for selective analyzing tyrosinase. [Anal Chim Acta. 2014 Aug 20] Author: Yang X, Luo Y, Zhuo Y, Feng Y, Zhu S.
4. Evaluation of Various Factors Affecting Bioconversion of l-Tyrosine to l-DOPA by Yeast Yarrowia lipolytica-NCIM 3450 Using Response Surface Methodology. [Nat Prod Bioprospect. 2014] Author: Gurme ST, Surwase SN, Patil SA, Jadhav JP.
