What Is L-Tyrosine?
L-tyrosine is an amino acid that is required for the synthesis of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which are critical for attention and focus.
It has been demonstrated that L-tyrosine enhances working memory and cognitive function under stress.
As a result, it is thought that L-tyrosine could alleviate the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). More research is necessary to validate the usefulness of L-tyrosine for ADHD, as there has been little research on the subject. Consult your physician to determine whether L-tyrosine is a good fit for you if you’re thinking about taking it for ADHD.
Can L-Tyrosine Help With ADHD Symptoms?
There is some evidence to suggest that L-tyrosine could alleviate the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In a tiny trial, L-tyrosine helped participants with ADHD perform better on a working memory test in the lab.
It’s uncertain, though, if L-tyrosine would function similarly in actual situations. Furthermore, more investigation is required to validate these results.
Where to Find L-Tyrosine
Dopamine and norepinephrine are produced from the amino acid L-tyrosine. These neurotransmitters are crucial for concentration and focus. Several foods naturally contain L-tyrosine, such as the following:
Eggs
Fish Meat Dairy
Beans with Tofu
Seeds
Additionally, L-tyrosine is offered as a supplement. It occasionally is mixed with additional components like:
What Chemical Are You Lacking If You Have ADHD
There isn’t just one “chemical” that those who have ADHD lack. Nonetheless, some studies indicate that ADHD can be linked to a lack of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which are the main targets of ADHD drugs.
Important neurotransmitters involved in attention and concentration are dopamine and norepinephrine. Additionally, they play a role in the brain’s “reward center,” which controls motivation and pleasure.
How Does L-Tyrosine Work?
Important neurotransmitters involved in attention and concentration are dopamine and norepinephrine. Additionally, they play a role in the brain’s “reward center,” which controls motivation and pleasure.
Because it provides the building blocks required to manufacture dopamine and norepinephrine, l-tyrosine is theorized to raise levels of these neurotransmitters. The underlying science is as follows: The enzyme hydroxylase transforms L-tyrosine into L-dopa, which is the direct precursor of dopamine. Moreover, norepinephrine is produced from dopamine.
Is L-Tyrosine the Same as Adderall?
L-tyrosine and Adderall, a drug used to treat ADHD, are frequently contrasted. For those with ADHD, L-tyrosine and Adderall can both enhance task performance. They operate differently, though.
What Are the Benefits of L-Tyrosine?
L-tyrosine has been utilized as a dietary supplement for the following purposes:
enhancing concentration and mental clarity
Improving episodic and working memory
Increasing consciousness
Growing the level of fluid intelligence
enhancing the processing of information
reduces the impact of stress and heavy cognitive load
Increasing the amount of energy
encouraging reduction of body weight
enhancing one’s athletic ability
bringing down blood pressure
lowering depression symptoms
While science does not support all of these statements, it does support some of them. Now let’s examine some of the advantages of L-tyrosine that have been supported by science.
mental adaptability
Cognitive flexibility
It is believed that L-tyrosine enhances cognitive flexibility. In one study, before performing a task that required switching between objects, healthy participants were given either L-tyrosine or a placebo.
Working memory
Numerous research works have examined tyrosine’s effects on working memory.
According to one study, both young and older persons’ working memory and fluid intelligence are improved when they consume foods high in tyrosine on a daily basis.3. Taking L-tyrosine increased participants’ task performance on a behavioral inhibition and working memory test in a randomized, controlled study.2. Their findings also demonstrated that genetic variations in the dopamine D2 receptor mediated the response to tyrosine. That being said, there was no particular testing done on ADHD patients.
Reducing Anxiety
It is well established that stressful situations lower dopamine and adrenaline levels, which has a detrimental impact on both cognitive and physical function. A single dose of L-tyrosine reduced the negative effects of stress on cognitive activities, according to a systematic evaluation of 15 research. For instance, compared to controls who did not take the tyrosine, healthy persons who took a dose of the drug prior to being exposed to cold temperatures—a recognized stressor that can impair performance—performed better on cognitive tests.
L-tyrosine may also aid in easing overall anxiety symptoms. According to one study, L-tyrosine made healthy adults feel less stressed and more relaxed.Improving anxiety levels can also improve cognitive performance.
How to Take L-Tyrosine
Supplements containing L-tyrosine are available at most health food stores. A daily dosage of 500–2000 mg is typical.It’s advisable to start with a lesser dosage if you have ADHD and raise it gradually as needed.
How Long Does It Take For L-Tyrosine To Work
L-tyrosine may not take effect right away unless your dopamine levels are low. You might not experience any changes in your symptoms for a few weeks. After a few weeks, if you still don’t feel better, you might want to try a greater dosage or discuss other options with your doctor.
Possible Side Effects
If used in accordance with approved dosages, L-tyrosine is usually regarded as safe. It may, however, have certain adverse consequences, like the following:
Uncertainty
Headache
elevated blood pressure
Lack of sleep
emesis
Anxiety
Flush skin
upset stomach
throwing up
You can be more susceptible to L-tyrosine’s negative effects if you have ADHD. It’s crucial to start with a lesser dosage and increase it gradually as needed as a result. Consult your physician and discontinue using the supplement if you encounter any adverse effects.
Who Should Not Take L-Tyrosine?
At approved dosages, L-tyrosine is usually regarded as safe. It may, however, have adverse effects and interact with certain drugs. It is especially crucial to see your doctor before using L-tyrosine or any other supplement if you are on medication or have an underlying medical problem.
A Word From Verywell
There is some evidence to suggest that L-tyrosine could alleviate the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Further investigation is need to validate these results, though. Consult your physician before taking L-tyrosine if you think you might have ADHD. They can assist you in assessing the advantages and disadvantages of L-tyrosine and deciding if it’s the best option for you