Tyrosine

Also known as:  Tyr

Tyrosine is a non-essential, Glucogenic, Ketogenic, Large Neutral Amino Acid.

 Tyrosine - Health Benefits

 Tyrosine - Substances Enhanced by

Hormones

 Tyrosine may suppress the rise in plasma Corticosterone following acute Stress.  ^[1]

Recreational Drugs

 Tyrosine may help to treat Alcohol (ethanol) dependence (Alcoholism) by facilitating the production of Dopamine and Norepinephrine. 

 Tyrosine may reduce the craving for Amphetamines in people undergoing Amphetamine withdrawal.  ^[2]

 Tyrosine may help to treat Cocainedependence by facilitating the production of Dopamine and Norepinephrine.  ^[3]

 Tyrosine may help to treat Opiates dependence by facilitating the production of Dopamine and Norepinephrine:

 Tyrosine may help to treat Heroin dependence by facilitating the production of Dopamine and Norepinephrine.  ^[4]

 Tyrosine (2,000 mg per day) may help some people to successfully “quit” Tobacco smoking.  ^[5]

Amino Acids

 Phenylalanine is a precursor for the endogenous production of Tyrosine (the conversion of Phenylalanine to Tyrosine is catalyzed by the Phenylalanine Hydroxylase Enzyme within the Liver).  ^[6]

Digestive Juices

 Hydrochloric Acid enhances the metabolism of Tyrosine (HCl prevents Tyrosine from converting to the toxic Tyramine).

Enzymes

 Chymotrypsin is responsible for "breaking down" the Carboxyl Groups contained in Tyrosine.

 Phenylalanine Hydroxylase catalyzes the conversion of Phenylalanine to Tyrosine (this process occurs primarily in the Liver).  ^[7]

 Tyrosinase catalyzes the conversion of Tyrosine to L-Dopa and also catalyzes the conversion of Tyrosine to Melanin.

Hormones

 Glucagon catalyzes the conversion of "spent" Tyrosine to form endogenous Glucose.

Minerals

 Copper is an essential component of the Tyrosinase enzyme that converts Tyrosine to Melanin.

Vitamins

 Folic Acid facilitates the convesion of Phenylalanine to Tyrosine (it is a cofactor for Phenylalanine Hydroxylase, the Enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of Phenylalanine to Tyrosine;  Folic Acid is also a cofactor for Tyrosine Hydroxylase, the Enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of Tyrosine to L-Dopa).  ^[8]

 Vitamin B6 facilitates the conversion of Phenylalanine to Tyrosine.

 Vitamin C facilitates the conversion of Phenylalanine to Tyrosine.

Alkaloids

        Caffeine may lower plasma Tyrosine levels.

Amino Acids

        Isoleucine may compete with Tyrosine for absorption.

        Leucine may compete with Tyrosine for absorption.