L-tyrosine
Synopsis of l-tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a key role in the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These neurotransmitters are crucial for mood regulation, stress response, alertness, and cognitive function. L-tyrosine is synthesized in the body from phenylalanine, another essential amino acid, and is involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and growth.
L-tyrosine is involved in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. It also plays a role in adrenal function, helping to produce adrenaline (epinephrine) in response to stress. Due to its role in stress management, L-tyrosine is often used in supplements to improve mental performance, particularly in stressful or high-pressure situations. It is also studied for its potential benefits in improving mood, focus, and memory under conditions of cognitive fatigue.
L-tyrosine is found in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, and soybeans. It is also available in dietary supplements, often marketed for its cognitive-enhancing effects, especially in stressful or fatiguing situations.
Historical Use
L-tyrosine has been studied for its roles in neurotransmitter production and thyroid function since its identification in the 19th century. Initially isolated from protein-rich foods, tyrosine’s importance in dopamine and epinephrine synthesis has been central to its use in addressing issues related to mental health, mood disorders, and stress.
The role of L-tyrosine in adrenal function and its ability to enhance physical performance has been explored in the context of athletics and mental clarity. In the 1980s, research started focusing on cognitive enhancement, particularly in how L-tyrosine could help mitigate the effects of stress on mental performance and cognitive fatigue. These studies were particularly relevant for people in high-stress occupations or those needing to maintain mental clarity in challenging situations, such as military personnel or shift workers.
Modern Use
L-tyrosine is widely used in supplements aimed at improving mental performance, mood, and stress management. Some of the most common uses of L-tyrosine include:
- Cognitive function: L-tyrosine is used to improve focus, memory, and mental clarity, particularly during times of stress or fatigue. It is believed to help enhance cognitive performance in stressful conditions, such as multitasking, problem-solving, and high-pressure tasks.
- Mood enhancement: L-tyrosine helps increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety.
- Stress management: L-tyrosine is often used to help the body cope with stress by supporting the adrenal glands and increasing the production of epinephrine (adrenaline), which is critical during fight or flight responses.
- Improving physical performance: As L-tyrosine is involved in the production of dopamine and epinephrine, it can enhance energy levels, focus, and motivation during physical activity, especially in endurance sports or high-intensity training.
- Thyroid function: L-tyrosine’s role in thyroid hormone production can help regulate metabolism and is used in the context of managing hypothyroidism and supporting overall endocrine health.
L-tyrosine is commonly found in capsules, tablets, and powdered supplements, often as part of nootropic or adaptogenic formulas designed to enhance mental focus, memory, and resilience to stress.
L-tyrosine is used for these health conditions
Adrenal Fatigue (Traditional)
Apathy (Scientific)
Athletic and Exercise Aids (Scientific)
Attention Deficit Disorder (Scientific)
Depression (Scientific)
Energy (lack of) (Scientific)
Fatigue (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Mood Swings (Scientific)
Nervous Exhaustion (Scientific)
Stress (Scientific)
Worry (Scientific)
l-tyrosine is used to support these body systems
Adrenal Glands (Scientific)
Adrenal Medulla (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Dopamine (Scientific)
Epinephrine (Scientific)
Glandular System (Scientific)
Hypothalamus (Scientific)
Nerves (Scientific)
Specific Neurotransmitters (Scientific)
Sympathetic Nervous System (Scientific)
Thyroid Gland (Scientific)
Products containing l-tyrosine
Douglas Laboratories
5-HTP Plus Formula
Thorne
Amino Complex Berry
Thorne
Amino Complex Lemon
Pure Encapsulations
Amino-NR
Pure Encapsulations
Amino Replete
Metagenics
BioPure Protein® Powder
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Berry
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Vanilla
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Berry
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Chai
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Vanilla
Pure Encapsulations
Cognitive Aminos
Designs For Health
CraveArrest™
Pure Encapsulations
DopaPlus
Pure Encapsulations
Electrolyte/Energy Formula
Pure Encapsulations
Emotional Wellness
Pure Encapsulations
Emotional Wellness
Douglas Laboratories
Free Form Amino
Pure Encapsulations
Iodine and Tyrosine
Klean Athlete
Klean Isolate ™
Pure Encapsulations
l-Tyrosine
Designs For Health
L-Tyrosine
Designs For Health
Neurolink™
Metagenics
Perfect Protein® Pea & Rice Chocolate Powder
Metagenics
Perfect Protein Pea & Rice Vanilla Powder
Metagenics
Perfect Protein Whey Chocolate
Metagenics
Perfect Protein Whey Vanilla
Vitabase
Super Fat Burner
Thorne
Thyrocsin
Pure Encapsulations
Thyroid Support Complex
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control® Chocolate
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control Chocolate
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Berry
Metagenics
UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Chai
Metagenics
UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish® Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraMeal Advanced Protein® Dutch Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraMeal Advanced Protein French Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraMeal Advanced Protein Plain
Metagenics
UltraMeal Cardio 360°® Pea/Rice Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraMeal Cardio 360° Pea/Rice Vanilla
Additional Help
Talk with Dr. Shannyn
Get to the root of what’s really going on.
Symptoms like fatigue, bloating, skin issues, or mood changes often point to deeper imbalances. Our at-home lab tests make it easy to investigate hormone health, gut function, food sensitivities, and more—no clinic visit required.
Schedule a Free Consult →
Personalized support. No pressure. No cost.
At-Home Lab Testing
Want to know if your body really needs this ingredient?
Explore our at-home lab tests—from hormone and gut panels to toxin screenings. These simple kits give you data to back your decisions, and pair perfectly with natural ingredient guidance.
Explore Lab Testing →
Results interpreted with expert support. No clinic visit required.
