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L-Tyrosine

L-tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid that is naturally produced by the body. It is also found in protein-rich foods. L-tyrosine is supposedly useful for treating conditions such as depression and premenstrual syndrome, although it is not clear how it works to treat these conditions. Although it is a "natural" product, side effects are possible with L-tyrosine, such as nausea, heartburn, and joint pain.

 

What Is L-Tyrosine?

L-tyrosine (also known just as tyrosine) is a nonessential amino acid. This means that it does not need to be obtained from dietary sources; the human body can make L-tyrosine using phenylalanine, another amino acid. L-tyrosine is also used in dietary supplements and is claimed to be useful for a variety of different conditions, such as:
 
  • Depression
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
     
(Click Benefits of L-Tyrosine for more information, including additional L-tyrosine uses.)
 

How Does L-Tyrosine Work?

As mentioned, L-tyrosine is an amino acid that is important for building proteins. For most people, the body can make its own L-tyrosine, although it is also found in protein-rich foods. People with phenylketonuria (PKU) must obtain L-tyrosine through the diet, since they cannot produce it. Even though it is a large amino acid, L-tyrosine can cross the blood-brain barrier to enter the brain, and may have numerous different effects in the brain. It is not known how L-tyrosine may work for a variety of different disorders.
 

Is L-Tyrosine Effective?

L-tyrosine (as part of a specially designed protein supplement) is effective for people with phenylketonuria, although further supplementation in addition to the protein supplement is usually not recommended. It is not known if L-tyrosine is effective for other uses.
 
(Click Does Tyrosine Work? for more information.)
 

Dosing Information for L-Tyrosine

A safe and effective L-tyrosine dose has not yet been established. Be sure to follow the specific instructions on your particular L-tyrosine product.
 
(Click L-Tyrosine Dosing for more information.)
 

Side Effects of L-Tyrosine

Although it is a "natural" product, L-tyrosine can still cause side effects. Some of the more commonly reported side effects include:
 
(Click L-Tyrosine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With L-Tyrosine

L-tyrosine can interact with a few medications (see Drug Interactions With L-Tyrosine).
 

Is L-Tyrosine Safe?

Some people may be more likely than others to experience problems with L-tyrosine. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking it if you have:
 
  • Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid)
  • Graves' disease
  • Phenylketonuria (PKU)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click L-Tyrosine Safety for more information, including any available warnings and precautions with L-tyrosine.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of L-Tyrosine?

It is not known what exactly to expect from an L-tyrosine overdose. If you think you may have taken too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Tyrosine Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should L-Tyrosine Be Stored?

Refer to the label of your individual L-tyrosine product for information on how best to store it. Keep L-tyrosine and all other medications and supplements out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;