Heightens mental alertness, increases feelings of well being, and offsets physical and mental fatigue! • Stimulates the release of growth hormone which causes muscle growth and reduces body fat. • Helps with states of depression and anxiety. • Produces norepinephrine which is an appetite suppressor. • Plays an important role in the function of the adrenal, pituitary and thyroid glands. • Increases red and white blood cells. • Elevates mood. What is it and where does it come from? L-tyrosine is a nonessential organic amino acid that is a building block of protein. It is an organic amino acid due to the presence of a carbon atom in its makeup. It is a precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine, as well as a precursor to the adrenal hormones norepinephrine and epinephrine. The body can make L-tyrosine from the amino acid phenylalanine. L-tyrosine rich foods include animal meat, wheat products, oatmeal and seafood. What does it do and what scientific studies give evidence to support this? L-tyrosine may help athletes avoid overtraining, due to its ability to offset fatigue. Because L-tyrosine is a precursor of Dopamine, supplementing with L-tyrosine may heighten mental alertness, increase feelings of well being, and offset physical and mental fatigue.3,4 Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency? Everyone. Populations in need of L-tyrosine include: athletes, the obese or overweight, and the elderly. Hard training athletes may benefit from supplementing with L-tyrosine as it helps to offset fatigue and stress associated with intense training. L-tyrosine also serves to protect the integrity of the skin. Melanin, a substance which acts to protect the skin when the epidermis has been exposed to ultraviolet light, is derived from L-tyrosine. If a shortage of melanin is present within the body [because of a lack of L-tyrosine], skin defenses will be compromised. Melanin, which is derived from L-tyrosine, chemically reacts with sunlight to form a protective shield that protects the deeper layers of skin tissue. Because persons suffering from depression frequently have low blood levels of this amino-acid, it may prove beneficial for members of this population to supplement with L-Tyrosine. Members of the obese population may benefit from supplemental L-tyrosine. L-tyrosine influences the manufacture of thyroxin, which influences basal metabolic rate. Because of this, L-tyrosine may prove effective for weight loss. How much should be taken? Are there any side effects? At this time clear dosing guidelines have not yet been established, so it is best to do what is known as "tolerance mapping". Take a small dosage for one week, note the benefits and the side effects, and increase the dosage until the benefits are maximised and the side effects minimised. Over time the two will converge and you will hit the optimal dose. This process is similar to "receptor mapping" for bodybuilders who use insulin and steroids. Many protein powders on the market are fortified with amino acids, including tyrosine. With this in mind, pay particular attention to how much tyrosine you are ingesting from all sources. No side effects have been reported, although as with any amino-acid, overdose is a possibility. Individuals suffering from psychiatric conditions should consult a qualified medical practitioner prior to the use of supplemental L-tyrosine. If you do not feel comfortable following the above-described procedure, it is always best to follow the directions as prescribed on the products label.