5 Things you should know about the amino acid Tyrosine

1. Tyrosine is one of 20 standard amino acids, made from the EAA Phenylalanine. It's an "upper" or precursor to dopamine/ epinephrine making it ideal on an empty stomach upon arising to "get going". It improves alertness, attention, and focus. I like to take 1g upon arising and 1g pre-workout for this reason.



2. BCAA's are large neutral amino acids and when over consumed, can compete with Tyrosine (and Tryptophan) for "parking spots lending the possibility of depressive symptoms. Be sure to take all amino if you are going to supplement so as not to throw your "amino pool" out of balance. Too much of a good thing right?



3. Because L-Tyrosine is the precursor of the catecholamines, those who have a challenged COMT gene may want to control exposure and limit to early in the day. These individuals have difficulty ridding their bodies of stress hormones after an event. Think individuals with ultra-busy brains, wake up before the alarm, worry that they worry about worrying. If you google "COMT worrier vs warrior" much has been written on this.



4. This amino acid first converts into L-dopa in the body. At high temperatures, athletes tire more quickly. In the brain, tyrosine is converted – also via L-dopa – into dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that motivates people to continue and suppresses feelings of fatigue.
British researchers gave 80kg male cyclists12 g. An hour later the subjects had to cycle for as long as they could at a temperature of 30 degrees.

After taking tyrosine the men cycled for 16 percent longer: 80 min instead of 69 min.
This is a very high dosage and not one I would recommend as a chronic pattern. Tested pre-event for gastric comfort and used acutely (day of an event), this is clearly a non-scheduled ergogen of merit.



5. Japanese researchers found that low-intensity cardio sessions on an empty stomach burn more fat if you take 3 g of the amino acid L-phenylalanine (and conversely tyrosine) half an hour beforehand. The concentration of glycerol in the participants' blood rose considerably more after they had taken the supplement, which would indicate that their fat burning had increased. The glucagon concentration (our fat burning hormone/ opposite of insulin) also rose by more when the participants had taken L-phenylalanine and conversely tyrosine as the metabolic pathway is the same.



Personally I use four ATP's GF2 each morning upon rising on an empty stomach. Taken with protein would dilute the effect of using a single amino. It contains Alpha GPC 450 mg. L-Tyrosine 1000 mg. N-Acetyl l-carnitine 600 mg. The three are the holy trinity of mental clarity, a strong adjunct to the fat-burning metabolism along with the benefits discussed above.



Here's hoping I've been of help. To your great health as always
Who loves ya?
"Coach Mike"