What is L-tyrosine good for?
L-tyrosine is an important amino acid that is found in foods that are habitually high in protein, such as fish, meat, and in particular cheese, which is where it was first discovered, and where it gets its name from. "Tyrós" in fact means "cheese" in Greek.
However, the fact that "tyrosine" also plays an important role in the "thyroid" gland is actually a coincidence, as the modern name for the thyroid gland dates back to the 1600s, when British anatomist Thomas Wharton named the gland after the Ancient Greek word "thyreoidea", which means "shield-like".
L-tyrosine's role in hormone production
L-tyrosine is used by the body in the formation of proteins, and also assists in the production of enzymes, as well as several important hormones. For example, dopamine, adrenaline and melanin are all produced with the assistance of L-tyrosine, as is thyroxine, the primary form of thyroid hormone.
That said, while L-tyrosine forms an integral part of thyroid hormone production, supplementation should be done with caution, as too much L-tyrosine could interfere with the thyroid's natural function.
L-tyrosine's role in nerve health
L-tyrosine is also conductive to healthy nerve signal communication and neurotransmitter function, and is also known to help reverse reductions in cognitive ability that are associated with neurological stress.
When should I take L-tyrosine?
L-tyrosine is best taken approximately 30 minutes before a meal in order to maximize absorption. If you are taking L-tyrosine for its benefits towards physical performance, it is considered optimal to take it between 30 and 60 minutes before exercise.
What does L-tyrosine combine well with?
L-tyrosine with copper, vitamin B6 & vitamin B9
Studies have shown that by combining L-tyrosine with copper and vitamins B6 and folic acid (vitamin B9), it is possible to enhance L-tyrosine's production of hormones. For example, vitamin B6 appears to help L-tyrosine during the production of the hormone dopamine.
L-tyrosine with L-theanine & caffeine
Another study found that by combining L-tyrosine with low-dose caffeine and L-theanine, there was an improvement in the movement accuracy of athletes while undergoing exhaustive exercise.
Who should avoid taking L-tyrosine supplements?
Avoid L-tyrosine for hyperthyroidism or Graves disease
Given L-tyrosine's capacity to increase levels of the thyroid hormone thryoxine, it is advisable that people suffering from conditions such as hyperthyroidism or Graves disease should avoid taking supplements containing tyrosine altogether.
What are natural sources of L-tyrosine?
If you are interested in achieving your daily L-tyrosine intake through your diet, rich sources of L-tyrosine include:
- Beef
- Pork
- Salmon
- Turkey
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yoghurt
- Legumes
- Tofu
- Rice
- Pumpkin seeds
L-Tyrosine data sources & further reading
Last updated by Asklepios on 30th January, 2025