Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid; it is a precursor to melanin which darkens skin, dopa, which is converted to the neurotransmitters dopamine, noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and adrenaline (epinephrine). Tyrosine is converted to l-dopa by the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Dopamine is important for both pleasure and motivation, and both noradrenaline and adrenaline have a key role in the fight or flight response of the sympathetic nervous system, which is activated by emotional or physical arousal.

Tyrosine is also an important precursor to the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

Tyrosine deficiencies are known to cause hypothyroidism, low blood pressure and a [low body temperature]].

ME/CFS
Reduced levels of plasma tyrosine have been found in ME/CFS patients.

Evidence
Two studies of healthy adults have found that tyrosine supplements moderately increased cognitive performance and mental status after prolonged periods of without sleep and intensive military training.

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 * Tyrosine - PubChem