Quest Vitamins LTD, |
L-tyrosineDESCRIPTIONL-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that can be made from L-phenylalanine in the body. FUNCTIONSAs well as being incorporated into body proteins, L-tyrosine is the raw material from which a group of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) called catecholamines are formed. One of the catecholamines formed from L-tyrosine is adrenalin. Adrenalin, together with other neurotransmitters, helps to focus the mind and improve concentration during Stress (1). L-tyrosine is also the precursor for thyroid hormone and the Skin pigment melanin (2). SUPPLEMENTAL USESL-tyrosine taken as a supplement has produced excellent results in some types of Depression - specifically tired, apathetic depression as opposed to high Anxiety states. Put simply, L-tyrosine helps replace excitatory neurotransmitters depleted by stress (1,3,4). Similarly, L-tyrosine supplements are to be recommended in cases of low motivation or poor concentration (1). SAFETYUp to 6g/day of L-tyrosine appears to be perfectly safe in human adults, but no more than 2000mg daily is usually necessary for good effect. INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONSL-tyrosine should be avoided by those with high blood pressure or melanoma MAO inhibitor anti-depressant drugs: It should also not be taken by those on MAO inhibitor anti-depressant drugs. L-tyrosine should additionally not be taken by pregnant women or schizophrenics. REFERENCES1. "The Healing Nutrients Within", E R Braverman & C C Pfeiffer, Keats, 1987. | 
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