Tyrosine
Description
Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can synthesize it, primarily from another amino acid, Phenylalanine. It is a fundamental building block of proteins and serves as a precursor for several important substances in the body, particularly neurotransmitters and hormones. Its primary role is in the synthesis of catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine), which are crucial for brain function, mood regulation, stress response, and alertness. Tyrosine is also involved in the production of thyroid hormones and melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. As a supplement, L-Tyrosine is often used to support cognitive function, particularly during stressful conditions, improve mood, and enhance physical performance by aiding in the body's ability to cope with stress and maintain neurotransmitter balance.
Sources
Dairy products (milk, cheese)Meat (chicken, turkey, beef, pork)FishEggsNuts (almonds, peanuts)Seeds (sesame, pumpkin)Soy productsWhole grainsBeans
Cheapest Tyrosine supplements
Best Tyrosine supplements
Value Tyrosine Supplements
Optimal Dosage
Minimum500 mg
Maximum2000 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Interactions
Positive Interactions
Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is a precursor to Tyrosine, meaning the body can convert Phenylalanine into Tyrosine, thus supporting its production.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a crucial coenzyme required for the enzymatic conversion of Tyrosine into neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine, a step in the catecholamine synthesis pathway initiated by Tyrosine.
Iron
Iron is a cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of catecholamine neurotransmitters from Tyrosine.
Folate
Folate is involved in various methylation processes that are essential for the overall metabolism and regulation of neurotransmitters, including those derived from Tyrosine.
Negative Interactions
Tryptophan
Tyrosine competes with Tryptophan for absorption across the blood-brain barrier via the same large neutral amino acid (LNAA) transporter system; high doses of one can reduce the uptake of the other.
5-HTP
Similar to Tryptophan, Tyrosine may compete with 5-HTP for transport mechanisms, potentially impacting the balance of serotonin and catecholamine synthesis.
Phenylalanine
While Phenylalanine is a precursor to Tyrosine, very high doses of Phenylalanine could theoretically compete with Tyrosine for transport across the blood-brain barrier if not adequately converted.
Recommended products
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Animal Fury Watermelon Flavor
Animal
Tyrosine: 1000 mg
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Focus
Huge Nutrition
Tyrosine: 2000 mg
This is a potent, multi-ingredient blend designed to deliver strong cognitive support and significant energy, ideal for intense focus and productivity.
Budget 
Thyroid Essentials
Swanson
Tyrosine: 150 mg
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L-Tyrosine 750 mg - Extra Strength
NOW
Tyrosine: 750 mg
NOW L-Tyrosine 750 mg provides an extra-strength dose at a great price, backed by an enormous number of positive reviews, making it a highly effective and popular option.
Value 
L-Tyrosine Powder
Source Naturals
Tyrosine: 660 mg
Source Naturals L-Tyrosine Powder is an exceptionally economical and versatile option, offering a good dose in a flexible format for customized supplementation.
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Neurolink
Designs for Health
Tyrosine: 1200 mg
<p>This product offers a multi-ingredient blend of amino acids and active B6, designed to support mood balance, reduce stress, and promote mental clarity.</p>
Value 
L-Tyrosine 500 mg
NOW
Tyrosine: 500 mg
NOW L-Tyrosine 500 mg offers an unbeatable combination of standard dosage, extremely low price, and massive customer approval, making it a top choice for tyrosine supplementation.
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Dozer Honey Lemon Tea
Axe & Sledge Supplements
Tyrosine: 750 mg
This honey lemon tea is a comprehensive blend of ingredients like GABA, adaptogens, and amino acid precursors, formulated to support relaxation, mood, and sleep.
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L-Tyrosine
NOW
Tyrosine: 350 mg
NOW L-Tyrosine Liquid offers an extremely economical way to take tyrosine with flexible dosing, ideal for those preferring non-pill forms.
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L-Tyrosine 500 mg
Natural Factors
Tyrosine: 1000 mg
Natural Factors L-Tyrosine delivers a strong 1000 mg dose for higher potency support, making it a good choice for those prioritizing a robust L-Tyrosine intake.
Value 
L-Tyrosine 500 mg
Swanson
Tyrosine: 500 mg
Swanson L-Tyrosine offers a reliable 500 mg dose at a very good price, supported by positive reviews, making it a solid and economical choice for brain health.
Best 
Dopamine Brain Food
NS Natural Stacks
Tyrosine: 650 mg
This supplement provides a targeted mix of amino acids and active B vitamins to support the body's natural dopamine production, potentially aiding mental focus, mood, and energy.
Best 
CraveArrest
Designs for Health
Tyrosine: 1000 mg
CraveArrest offers a comprehensive blend of L-Tyrosine, 5-HTP, Rhodiola, and B vitamins designed to support mood, stress management, and cognitive function.
Value 
L-Tyrosine 500 mg
Jarrow Formulas
Tyrosine: 500 mg
Jarrow Formulas L-Tyrosine provides a reliable 500 mg dose at a very good price, supported by extensive positive customer feedback, making it a trustworthy option.
Value 
L-Tyrosine 500 mg
Source Naturals
Tyrosine: 500 mg
Source Naturals L-Tyrosine offers a reliable 500 mg dose at an excellent price, backed by many positive reviews, making it a solid and economical option for brain health.
Value 
L-Tyrosine 500 mg
The Vitamin Shoppe
Tyrosine: 500 mg
This L-Tyrosine product combines 500mg of L-Tyrosine with Vitamin B6 in a large, cost-effective quantity, making it ideal for regular cognitive and mood support.
Value 
Best L-Tyrosine 500 mg
Doctor's Best
Tyrosine: 500 mg
Doctor's Best L-Tyrosine offers a simple, effective 500 mg dose at an excellent price, making it a popular and reliable choice for foundational brain health support.
Best 
Tyrosine Matrix
Premier Research Labs
Tyrosine: 944 mg
Premier Research Labs Tyrosine Matrix provides a high L-Tyrosine dose but uses an undisclosed proprietary blend and carries an extremely high price with minimal reviews, raising transparency concerns.
Best 
True Focus
NOW
Tyrosine: 800 mg
True Focus provides a blend of amino acids, vitamins, and herbal extracts commonly used to support mental focus, cognitive function, and balanced mood.
Best 
DopaPlus
Pure Encapsulations
Tyrosine: 1000 mg
A comprehensive blend of L-Tyrosine, L-Dopa, Rhodiola, and essential nutrients, DopaPlus helps support mood, mental focus, and the body's response to stress.
Product stats
Price per product
Average$30.65
Median$29.49
Price per serving
Average$0.92
Median$0.81
Price per 100 mg
Average$0.25
Median$0.15
Price distribution
Price per serving distribution
Price per 100 mg
Reference amount: 100 mg
Forms
Paired ingredients
Ingredient forms
L-Tyrosine (3) 85
It serves as a direct precursor to several important neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and epinephrine (adrenaline), collectively known as catecholamines. These neurotransmitters play critical roles in mood, stress response, cognitive function, and alertness. Supplementation is often used to support cognitive performance, especially under conditions of stress, fatigue, or sleep deprivation, by helping to maintain neurotransmitter levels.
Pros
- Well-researched and widely available form.
- Directly utilized by the body for neurotransmitter synthesis.
- Supports cognitive function, mood, and stress response.
Cons
- Can compete with other large neutral amino acids for transport across the blood-brain barrier.
- Potential for mild side effects like headache or digestive upset in sensitive individuals.
Per product
Avg$14.59
Med$14.59
Per serving
Avg$0.10
Med$0.10
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.02
Med$0.02
Price distribution
L-Tyrosine Hydrochloride (1) 85
It serves as a direct precursor to several important neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and epinephrine (adrenaline), collectively known as catecholamines. These neurotransmitters play critical roles in mood, stress response, cognitive function, and alertness. Supplementation is often used to support cognitive performance, especially under conditions of stress, fatigue, or sleep deprivation, by helping to maintain neurotransmitter levels.
Pros
- Well-researched and widely available form.
- Directly utilized by the body for neurotransmitter synthesis.
- Supports cognitive function, mood, and stress response.
Cons
- Can compete with other large neutral amino acids for transport across the blood-brain barrier.
- Potential for mild side effects like headache or digestive upset in sensitive individuals.
Per product
Avg$12.60
Med$12.60
Per serving
Avg$0.31
Med$0.31
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.21
Med$0.21
Price distribution
N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (1) 70
NALT is a modified form of L-Tyrosine that is more water-soluble. It is theorized to offer better absorption and bioavailability compared to L-Tyrosine. However, research on its conversion efficiency back to L-Tyrosine in the body is mixed, with some studies suggesting it may be less efficient than direct L-Tyrosine supplementation for raising plasma tyrosine levels. It aims to support the same cognitive and mood-related functions as L-Tyrosine.
Pros
- Increased water solubility compared to L-Tyrosine.
- Easier to incorporate into liquid formulations.
Cons
- Evidence for superior bioavailability or efficacy over L-Tyrosine is inconsistent and debated.
- Some research suggests it may be less efficiently converted to L-Tyrosine than direct L-Tyrosine supplementation.
- Typically more expensive than L-Tyrosine.
Per product
Avg$16.79
Med$16.79
Per serving
Avg$0.55
Med$0.55
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.11
Med$0.11
Price distribution