L-Tyrosine
amino acid
ApprovedGeneral information about nutrients. No diagnosis, no medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.
Overview
Amino acid and precursor to dopamine, norepinephrine, and thyroid hormones.
Interactions
Iron is the cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), which converts tyrosine to L-DOPA — the rate-limiting step in dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine synthesis.
B6 (PLP) is the cofactor for DOPA decarboxylase, which converts L-DOPA to dopamine. Without B6, the catecholamine synthesis pathway stalls after tyrosine hydroxylation.
Top 5 food sources
Expert opinions
Dr. Andrew Huberman
Huberman recommends 500 mg L-tyrosine on an empty stomach 30 to 45 min before demanding tasks. Tyrosine is a precursor of dopamine and norepinephrine. He emphasizes acute or intermittent use rather than daily dosing to avoid tolerance and downregulation. Not to be combined with MAO inhibitors or used in hyperthyroid states, since tyrosine also feeds thyroid hormone synthesis.
Recommended dose: 500 mg
Source: Huberman Lab
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Best taken on an empty stomach.