What is Tyrosine?

Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning our body can produce it from another amino acid called phenylalanine. It plays a critical role in the production of proteins, neurotransmitters, and hormones, including those crucial for thyroid function.

What types of Tyrosine are there and what do they do?

L-Tyrosine (Natural Form): Found in foods and supplements, this form directly supports hormone production and neurotransmitter synthesis.
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT): A modified version, more soluble in water, often used in supplements for cognitive support but less effective for thyroid hormone production.
D-Tyrosine: A synthetic form used less commonly, with specific applications in research and pharmaceuticals.

Daily Requirements for Tyrosine in all demographics

Adults: About 14 mg per kg of body weight daily, derived from both dietary intake and phenylalanine metabolism.
Pregnant and Lactating Women: Slightly higher requirements due to increased protein needs.
Children: Approximately 28 mg per kg of body weight, as their growth increases protein and amino acid requirements.

What does Tyrosine do in our body?

Hormone Production: Essential for producing thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
Neurotransmitter Synthesis: Precursor to dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which regulate mood, focus, and stress response.
Melanin Production: Contributes to the pigment in skin, hair, and eyes.
Stress Response: Helps maintain cognitive function under stress by replenishing neurotransmitter levels.

Symptoms of Tyrosine Deficiency

Fatigue and low energy
Depression or mood imbalances
Difficulty concentrating (brain fog)
Poor stress tolerance
Hypopigmentation in skin and hair
Low thyroid hormone levels, potentially leading to hypothyroidism.

What does Tyrosine do for our thyroid pathway?

Thyroid Hormone Synthesis: Tyrosine combines with iodine to form thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), the primary hormones regulating metabolism.
TSH Regulation: Supports the feedback loop between thyroid hormone levels and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

What does Tyrosine do for our Liver?

Detoxification Support: Indirectly aids liver detoxification through neurotransmitter production, which supports stress response and overall metabolic efficiency.
Glutathione Precursor: Tyrosine contributes to antioxidant pathways, protecting the liver from oxidative stress.

What does Tyrosine do for our gut?

Gut-Brain Axis: Tyrosine-derived neurotransmitters like dopamine influence gut motility and microbiota balance.
Protein Synthesis: Supports the repair and maintenance of the intestinal lining.
Stress Reduction: Helps modulate the gut’s response to stress via neurotransmitter production.

Physical Ailments that affect Tyrosine

Phenylketonuria (PKU): A genetic disorder where phenylalanine cannot be metabolized into tyrosine, requiring dietary tyrosine supplementation.
Chronic Stress: Depletes tyrosine levels due to increased neurotransmitter demand.
Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid function may reduce the efficiency of tyrosine utilization.

Food that impacts Tyrosine

High-Phenylalanine Foods: Such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, indirectly boost tyrosine production.
Soy-Based Foods: Contain isoflavones that may interfere with thyroid function, potentially impacting tyrosine utilization in the thyroid pathway.

Medications that Impact Tyrosine

Levothyroxine: May alter tyrosine metabolism indirectly by influencing thyroid hormone levels.
MAO Inhibitors: Affect neurotransmitter breakdown, altering tyrosine’s role in neurotransmitter synthesis.
Corticosteroids: Increase tyrosine demand due to elevated stress responses.

Natural Supplements that negatively impact Tyrosine

Excessive Iodine: Can disrupt thyroid function, reducing tyrosine’s role in hormone synthesis.
High-Dose Selenium: While beneficial in moderation, excess selenium may interfere with tyrosine’s role in thyroid function.

Heavy Metals that Impact Tyrosine

Mercury: Interferes with tyrosine’s ability to support thyroid hormone production.
Lead and Cadmium: Impair neurotransmitter pathways that rely on tyrosine.

Testing for Tyrosine

Blood Amino Acid Profile: Measures tyrosine levels directly.
Thyroid Function Tests: Indirectly assess tyrosine utilization by measuring T3, T4, and TSH levels.
Neurotransmitter Testing: Evaluates dopamine and norepinephrine levels, linked to tyrosine metabolism.

Nutrients Required for Tyrosine Absorption

Vitamin B6: Essential for converting tyrosine into neurotransmitters.
Iron: Required for tyrosine hydroxylase activity, the enzyme initiating neurotransmitter synthesis.
Iodine: Combines with tyrosine to form thyroid hormones.

Foods high in Tyrosine

Cheese
Chicken and turkey
Fish (salmon, tuna)
Eggs
Nuts and seeds (peanuts, almonds, sesame seeds)
Soy products (tofu, tempeh)
Avocados

A Recipe high in Tyrosine

**Turkey Meatballs**

Ingredients: 1 small pkt of Turkey mince, 2 eggs, 2 tbsp almond flour, seasoning of choice
Instructions: Combine all ingredients well and form into balls. Place on oven tray and bake until cooked through. About 30 mins moderate oven. Serve with an avocado salad

Other Random Information about Tyrosine

Caffeine Interaction: Tyrosine supplementation combined with caffeine can enhance cognitive performance during stress.
Exercise Benefits: Helps delay fatigue and improve performance by replenishing neurotransmitters.
Mood Regulation: Supports mental health by maintaining balanced neurotransmitter levels, particularly during seasonal affective disorder or chronic stress.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or treatment plan. Individual needs may vary, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

The Thyroid and Tyrosine