Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid that is naturally produced by the body. It is also found in protein-rich foods and certain supplements. The amino acid 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, tyrosine can cause side effects, such as nausea, heartburn, and joint pain.

 

What Is Tyrosine?

Tyrosine (also known as L-tyrosine) is a nonessential amino acid. This means that it does not need to be obtained from dietary sources; the human body can make it using phenylalanine, another amino acid. It 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 Tyrosine Benefits for more information, including additional uses.)
 

How Does Tyrosine Work?

As mentioned, tyrosine is an amino acid that is important for building proteins. For most people, the body can make its own, although it is also found in protein-rich foods. People with phenylketonuria (PKU) must obtain tyrosine through the diet, since they cannot produce it. Even though it is a large amino acid, 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 tyrosine may work for a variety of different disorders.
 

Is It Effective?

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 it is effective for other uses.
 
(Click Does Tyrosine Work? for more information.)
 

Dosing Information

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

Side Effects

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

Drug Interactions

Tyrosine can interact with a few medications (see Tyrosine Drug Interactions).
 

Is Tyrosine Safe?

Some people may be more likely than others to experience problems with this supplement. 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 Safety of Tyrosine for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

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

How Should Tyrosine Be Stored?

Refer to the label of your individual product for information on how best to store it. Keep this 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;