Tyrosine is one of the lesser known amino acids, although
it was identified way back in the nineteenth century, and
indeed is described as one of those which are
non-essential. Neither of these facts implies, however,
that it is in any way unimportant. Tyrosine is one of the
twenty or so separate amino acids found in the mammalian
body; some of which are known as non-essential because they
can be manufactured by the body, and need not therefore be
consumed in the daily diet.
Ten amino acids, however, cannot be synthesised by the
body, and must be obtained from food. Unsurprisingly
perhaps, it is animal protein foods such as meat, fish and
dairy produce which are the richest source, and they are
accordingly known as first class proteins because they
contain all of the essential amino acids.
The significance of both essential and non-essential amino
acids, however, is that they form the proteins which make
up the bulk of the dry tissue of the human body; most
obviously the muscles. But the importance of protein goes
way beyond this. The different proteins in the body also
form the many enzymes which control its essential
biochemical processes, including the secretion of vital
hormones.
Tyrosine is formed in the body from the essential amino
acid, phenylalanine, and in addition to its general role in
the formation of proteins, appears to have a number of more
specific functions.
Tyrosine appears to be directly involved in maintaining
good supplies of the neurotransmitter hormones, adrenalin
and noradrenalin, which are amongst the body's principal
means of combatting stress, and its function within the
brain have also led many nutritional practitioners to
regard the amino acid as a powerful natural anti-depressant.
Some therapists report excellent results from the use of
doses of up to 1,000 mg a day of tyrosine in treating even
sufferers from the profound, clinical, depression
characterised by apathy, inactivity, social withdrawal and
even despair. An alleviation of even such extreme symptoms
has been observed within as little as a week when patients
have been treated with between 600 mg and 2,000 mg a day.
The form of tyrosine known as acetyl L-tyrosine, however,
appears to work more directly on the brain and doses of a
few hundred mg per day of this compound may be sufficient.
In addition to cases of incapacitating clinical depression,
tyrosine has also been found useful as a short term
psychological tonic for times when an individual nay be
suffering from particular stress, leading to reduced energy
levels, confused thought or lowered mood. To this extent,
tyrosine is also regarded by some as similar to an
adaptogen, for example ginseng, in its general tonic effect.
In its effects on brain chemistry, tyrosine has also proved
useful in alleviating conditions as diverse as Attention
Deficit Disorder (ATD) and the symptoms arising from
withdrawal from cocaine addiction. Tyrosine is also known
to simulate the production of growth hormone and to
stimulate the thyroid gland. Supplementation may therefore
be useful in some cases of an underactive thyroid and the
problems that this may cause.
In view of all the above, although it is not strictly
necessary to obtain tyrosine from the daily diet, it does
not follow that you should not seek to obtain as rich a
supply as possible. If you're enjoying normal health,
particularly mental and emotional health, you probably
don't need to take supplements. But in view of the many
benefits of tyrosine it is well worth ensuring that you
take in a good dietary supply. This can only help with the
stability of your moods, mental energy and focus.
The best foods for this purpose, of course, are the protein
foods, whether vegetable or animal; in particular soy
products, nuts, seeds, dairy produce, avocados, poultry and
fish.
But if supplements are required at times of particular
stress or increased energy requirement; tyrosine, like
other single amino acids, is best taken on an empty stomach
to ensure maximum absorption. As with other single amino
supplements, however, these should not be taken in this way
in the long term as this may risk the creation of
nutritional imbalances. Like all other nutrients in the
body, tyrosine can only do its work properly if the body is
fully nourished in all other respects. When supplementing
with tyrosine, however, it appears particularly important
to ensure that generous supplies of vitamins B6 and C are
present.
Since these vitamins also function holistically, this is as
always best achieved by taking comprehensive multi-vitamin
and multi-mineral supplements.
There appear to be no known problems of tyrosine toxicity
at the dosages discussed in this article, but supplements
at higher dose require medical supervision because there
are contraindications for those suffering from high blood
pressure or taking medication for migraine, Parkinson's
disease, or being treated for certain cancers.
----------------------------------------------------
Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in
direct marketing and with a particular interest in health
products. Find out more at
http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/In
formation.htm
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