Diet Supplements

L-Tyrosine: Dopamine’s Building Block

August 18, 2009
By J White

When you bite down on a double fudge chocolate sundae, you get a rush of pleasure and enjoyment. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is synthesized in your brain is responsible for those improvements in your mood and feelings. For your brain to synthesize this chemical compound, it needs the amino acid l-tyrosine.

When you are dieting, foods such as chocolate sundaes are off limits, which means that you won’t get the pleasure that the dessert it brings. However, by supplementing your diet with l-tyrosine, you can improve your mood without having to indulge in such foods.

More Benefits

In addition to improving your mood, this amino acid also helps to increase your energy and boost your libido. Because of its positive effect on your nervous system, it can also help to ease symptoms of depression. Research also indicates that it may be beneficial in affecting Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Side Effects

As for side effects, no long-term study has been performed that documents it effects. If you limit is use for short term purposes, side effects are uncommon. However, if you are taking any medication, you should check with your doctor before supplementing with the amino acid to avoid any unwanted interactions.

Dosage

Common dosages for supplementation are around 500 to 1000mg a day. When treating certain conditions, dosages of 6 grams or more have been reported. As for assisting in your diet, it’s best to supplement with no more than 2 grams a day.

Along with l-tyrosine, a multivitamin that contains vitamins B6 and B9 as well as folic acid should be taken, as they help in the conversion of the amino acid into dopamine. And for better absorption, take on an empty stomach or between meals.

Where to find L-Tyrosine

You can pick up l-tyrosine in either powder or pill form at any well-stocked health nutrition store. As for the pills, dosages are generally 500mg, though you can find 250mg dosages as well. When choosing a brand, look for those that have less fillers.

In short, giving up certain foods will take some of the pleasure out of eating. However by supplementing with l-tyrosine, you can improve your mood without the need for these foods, which in the long run will help make your dieting more bearable and hopefully more successful.

Share and Enjoy: