L-Tyrosine | PharmaTyrosine™

L-Tyrosine | PharmaTyrosine™

Properties: In the human organism L-tyrosine acts as a precursor in the synthesis of three essential neurotransmitters: dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. Thus, it helps to upregulate their activity providing particular effects. By supplementing tyrosine, we may experience mood improvement, which stems from the activity of dopaminergic neurons. The same nerve cells are also quite important in terms of cognitive abilities. Dopamine influences our concentration span and the ability to remember information – both in terms of working memory and long-term storage. For these reasons, L-tyrosine efficiently supports the learning process and information processing. Noteworthy, an increase in dopaminergic activity directly raises the level of our motivation. After all, it sometimes happens that we simply lack strength and willingness to act. We can feel it especially after many hours of hard work. In these moments, the supplementation of L-tyrosine might be a perfect solution. It will provide us with a dopamine boost, which will deliver more energy and help to maintain determination required to achieve our goals. 

Tyrosine has some other beneficial properties too. It can be effectively used when we need to make a great physical or psychological effort. For instance, during an examination period, before holding a public speech, or during preparation for a marathon. As a supplement, tyrosine is also useful for stress management. It has been proven that it helps to soothe unpleasant consequences of stress – even after a single administration. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that supplementing L-tyrosine right before a workout may increase our physical performance. Therefore, it is often used by people practicing competitive sports who want to achieve better results during training.

It is worth noting that L-tyrosine is often used in cosmetics. This compound exhibits rejuvenating effects as it increases the synthesis of collagen responsible for skin firmness and elasticity. It also regulates the production of melanin – the pigment responsible for the color and healthy appearance of the skin. This prevents discoloration and protects against the harmful effects of UV rays, e.g. when sunbathing. Therefore, this compound is often found in sunscreens, as it shields the skin while simultaneously accelerating the tanning process. In addition, tyrosine has a conditioning and antistatic effect on the hair. Hair care products with tyrosine increase hair brilliance and prevent hair from electrifying.

From the perspective of our organism, L-tyrosine is quite indispensable. It is produced in the liver, however, we deliver it with food too. There are times when its level gets too low and it is then when we might want to consider supplementation. The undoubted advantage of tyrosine is its high bioavailability. It easily penetrates the blood-brain barrier, which is why it works great as a substance supporting the functioning of the nervous system – almost instantly.

Occurrence: In the human organism, tyrosine is naturally produced in the liver. Moreover, it is present in food products. Its main sources are high-protein products of animal origin: meat (beef, pork, poultry), tuna, milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yoghurt and eggs. Tyrosine can also be found in products of plant origin, such as: peanuts, soybeans, almonds, the seeds of pumpkin, and flax, avocados, as well as in bananas.

Biochemistry: Tyrosine (Tyr, L-Tyrosine) is an organic chemical compound that belongs to the group of endogenous amino acids, i.e. those that the human body can produce on its own. Moreover, it is one of 20 protein amino acids that are the basic building material used in the process of protein synthesis. It is of great biological importance as it participates in the transmission of information inside cells. In the body, tyrosine is synthesized in the liver from another amino acid – phenylalanine (Phe) which is delivered with food. Tyrosine has high bioavailability and easily crosses the brain-blood barrier. In the brain it is converted into L-DOPA and thus directly influences the production and activity of dopamine. Indirectly, it is a precursor of other important catecholamines: adrenaline and noradrenaline. Simultaneously, it decreases the level of cortisol, the so-called stress hormone. In addition, by influencing the production of thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine), it ensures the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. This leads to a noticeable improvement in metabolism, increased protein synthesis and a decrease in cholesterol levels. Last but not least, it is involved in the production of collagen and melanin (a skin pigment).

Fun fact: Tyrosine owes its name to the Greek word “tyrós”, which means “cheese”. The story of its discovery is closely related to this popular dairy. In 1846, German chemist Justus von Liebeg derived this  compound for the first time. He obtained it as a degradation product of casein – a protein found in cheese. However, the first laboratory synthesis of tyrosine occurred in 1883. Then, its chemical structure was described.