L-Tyrosine to Get in the Mood for Love

L-Tyrosine is especially known for its mood elevating properties which is observed more effectively during conditions of stress, cold, fatigue, prolonged work and sleep deprivation. In several instances, though, its effects manifest in a better mood and increased sex drive.

Tyrosine (abbreviated as Tyr or Y), is one of the 20 amino acids that are used by cells to synthesize proteins. It is a non-essential amino acid synthesized by our bodies from phenylalanine which is derived from protein containing foods. It is a precursor to Thyroxine, a primary thyroid hormone, Adrenaline, and Dopamine. L-Tyrosine is its ingestible supplement form.

Tyrosine is a necessary amino acid in the production of neurotransmitters including epinephrine, nor-epinephrine, and dopamine. Reduced levels of Tyrosine are present when your body’s under stress, aged, or tired. L-Tyrosine appears to have a mild stimulatory effect on the central nervous system. Taking it, thus, treat conditions including depression or mood disorder, poor coping ability, fatigue, low sex drive, low metabolism, and drug abuse (when combined with Tryptophan).

Patients with a deficiency in Thyroxine, the thyroid hormone that regulates body heat and cellular energy production, have symptoms including excess weight gain, cold hands and feet, and decreased basal metabolism. This condition also leads to the slowing down of the thyroid gland which further leads to low testosterone and low libido. L-Tyrosine has been found to assist in optimizing thyroid hormone levels, increased mood, concentration, and productivity. This is because it interacts with Iodine to produce Thyroxine.

L-Tyrosine, along with Phenylalanine, is sometimes prescribed as antidepressants, usually in combination with other nutrients and herbs that also have mood elevating properties. Some doctors also recommend these amino acids as appetite suppressants. Phenylalanine may trigger the release of an appetite-suppressing hormone in the gut called cholecystokinin. Most individuals who take either of these amino acids notice improved alertness, mental arousal, and mood, and slight loss in appetite.

Through its effect on neurotransmitters, L-Tyrosine may affect several health conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, depression, and other mood disorders. Preliminary findings of its studies indicate a beneficial effect of tyrosine, along with other amino acids, in people affected by dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Due to its role as a precursor to nor-epinephrine and epinephrine (two of the body’s main stress-related hormones) tyrosine may also ease the adverse effects of environmental, psychosocial, and physical stress.

Did you know that Tyrosine is also involved in the production of Dopamine, also known for its functions as a libido-enhancing neurotransmitter (which might explain its ability to boost sex drive)? Yes it does, but too high doses of L-Tyrosine could result otherwise. Too much tyrosine could result in decreased absorption of other amino acids including Dopamine. The usual dosage of L-Tyrosine amounts to 500-1500 mg per day. It is not recommended to exceed 12000 mg (12 g) per day.