What Is Tyrosine?
Tyrosine, also called 4-hydroxyphenylalanine, is a non-essential amino-acid, used to synthesize proteins. Tyrosine is synthesized in the body from another amino acid called phenylalanine, which you get from food.
Non-essential means that can be made by humans in the body, and don’t have to be ingested through the diet.
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Tyrosine And Adrenaline
Tyrosine is an amino acid that easily goes through the blood-brain barrier into the brain. Once in the brain, it is a precursor for adrenaline. (source 🗗)
Tyrosine In Food
Tyrosine can also be found in protein-containing foods. By eating enough protein in your diet, you get all of the amino acids you need. High amounts of tyrosine can be found in beef, pork, fish, chicken, tofu, milk, cheese, beans, seeds, nuts, and whole grains. (source 🗗)
If you are interested in a list of foods where you can find this nutrient. Go to our nutrition tool and check out tyrosine.
Tyrosine As Supplement
Tyrosine is often sold as a supplement with the ability to reduce stress and help alertness.
But tyrosine does not appear to have the stimulant-like activity like caffeine.
So it is not likely to be useful in situations in which performance is lacking by boredom or sleepiness. And should not be recommended for that reason. (source 🗗)