Possible L-Tyrosine Side Effects

At present, it is usually taken as a dietary supplement for relieving stress, depression and in promoting general well being. It is also being taken as a supplement for body building, weight loss, and promoting skin health. If you are taking these supplements, possible L-tyrosine side effects would probably be one of your major concerns.

L-tyrosine is not considered as an essential amino acid mainly because your body can synthesize this amino acid from phenylalanine (a naturally occurring non-essential amino acid). In usual conditions, the body can produce enough L-tyrosine from L-phenyalanine. However, several factors wherein your body may require additional sources of amino acids from dietary sources to meet your physiological demands. For instance, L-tyrosine becomes an essential nutrient for those with phenylketonuria (those that are not able to metabolize phenyalanine).

About Tyrosine Supplements

L-tyrosine supplements have been used as a therapeutic supplement for those with phenylketonuria, depression, Parkinson's disease, and those who want to improve their memory.

Dosage for L-Tyrosine

If you do not have any need to, you should not take L-tyrosine as supplements without consulting your doctor. Research has revealed that 100 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight or an average of about 7 grams for average-sized people are safe to use for those that suffer from the aforementioned conditions.

However, a dose of 500 milligrams to 1500 milligrams per day of supplemental tyrosine is mostly recommended for those taking it for stress management, weight loss and body building. Generally, the dosage would depend on why you are taking the drug. Always ask your caregiver about how much tyrosine supplements to take in.

L-Tyrosine Side Effects

There are no reports of any serious tyrosine side effects. It is not known, however, whether or not long term use of L-tyrosine, most especially in large amount of more than 1,000 mg is safe, so that if you intend to take this drug for more than 2 weeks, you should be regularly monitored by your physician.

Side effects of tyrosine have been reported in a few, occasional cases. L-tyrosine side effects include mild to moderate chest pains, breathing problems, tightness in the chest or throat areas, skin hives, itchy or swollen skin, or rashes (allergic reactions). Rare side effects such as headache, fatigue, changes in the heart rate, mood changes, irritability, heartburn, and stomach troubles have also been reported.

Safety of Tyrosine

Tyrosine is generally safe to take. However, tyrosine must not be taken in a few cases, such as if you are taking anti-depressants and medicines for Parkinson's disease, if you have diabetes, if you are pregnant, and should not be taken by children without good supervision by your doctor.

Tyrosine Overdose

There have been no toxicity reports on tyrosine. However, since they have significant effects on the nervous system, overdose is a possibility. Thus, care must be taken when taking this drug as a supplement. It is best that you consult with your doctor.