Infinite One Series: Tyrosine Supplement Review

Infinite One Series: Tyrosine Supplement Review

Tyrosine is a precursor for the catecholamine hormones and neurotransmitters, specifically epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Tyrosine has been suggested to be ergogenic especially under stressful conditions. Stress depletes the brain reserves of the catecholamine neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine; and it appears that depletion, especially of norepinephrine, is closely related to stress-induced performance decline. In humans, tyrosine supplementation may alleviate the stress-induced decline in nervous system noradrenaline and, subsequently, enhancing performance under a variety of circumstances including sleep deprivation, combat training,
cold exposure, etc.

Findings from several studies suggest supplementation with tyrosine might, under circumstances characterized by psychosocial and physical stress, reduce the acute effects of stress and fatigue on task performance. For example, one study investigated the effects of tyrosine on 21 cadets during a demanding military combat training course. Ten subjects received five daily doses of a protein-rich drink containing 2 g tyrosine, and 11 subjects received a carbohydrate-rich drink with the same amount of calories. The group supplied with the tyrosine-rich drink performed better on tasks involving memory and tracking. Tyrosine may be useful to include in your pre-workout drink to enhance mental performance.

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Deijen JB, Wientjes CJ, Vullinghs HF, et al. Tyrosine improves cognitive performance and reduces blood pressure in cadets after one week of a combat training course. Brain Res Bull 1999;48:203-209.

Shurtleff D, Thomas JR, Schrot J, et al.Tyrosine reverses a cold-induced working memory deficit in humans. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1994;47:935-941

Sutton E, et al.: Ingestion of tyrosine: Effects on endurance, muscle strength, and anaerobic performance. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism 2005, 15:173-85.

Williams M. Dietary Supplements and Sports Performance: Amino Acids. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2005;2(2):63-67. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-2-2-63.

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