L-Tyrosine Dosage - Can You Take Too Much L-tyrosine?

L-tyrosine supplements are being taken by many people for a variety of reasons. If you are taking L-tyrosine supplements, you should be mindful of the L-tyrosine dosage that you are taking. It is best for you to consult a physician first before taking tyrosine as a supplement.

The Amino Acid L-Tyrosine

Tyrosine is primarily an amino acid that is used to enhance focus and alertness. It is synthesized from phenylalanine which is another amino acid. Tyrosine is the precursor of the hormones threonine (a thyroid hormone), epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenal/growth hormones). It also gets converted in the skin into melanin, which protects your skin for the sun's harmful rays.

Benefits of Tyrosine Supplements

Tyrosine has significant effects on neurotransmitters in the brain such that tyrosine supplements are used widely for mood enhancement, growth hormone stimulation and appetite suppression. It reportedly also has antioxidant effects that prevent cancer, heart diseases and aging. L-tyrosine supplements have also been used to treat conditions such as depression, Parkinson's disease, and other mental problems.

Tyrosine Supplement Forms

L-tyrosine is naturally present in animal and vegetable proteins such as chicken, fish, nuts, bananas, dairy sources, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds. However, some people have increased tyrosine need that's why supplementation is necessary. Tyrosine taken in its supplemental form is available as L-tyrosine 500 mg free form tablets and L-tyrosine powder supplement. The powder form contains 660 mg of tyrosine in every 1/4 teaspoon. They are available in major health stores worldwide.

Dosage for L-tyrosine

The standard recommended L-tyrosine dose is about 1000 milligrams for achieving mental and physical boost. This is also the standard tyrosine dosage for depression. This translates to about one or two tyrosine tablets a day and one or two teaspoons daily. L-tyrosine supplements should be taken before meals, preferably 30 minutes before, and divided into two or three doses daily. Tyrosine supplements are best taken as a multivitamin-mineral complex mainly because vitamins B6, B9, folic acid and the copper mineral help in the conversion of L-tyrosine into the important brain chemicals, which are most useful.

Tyrosine Overdose

The total amount of tyrosine dose taken in one day should not exceed 12,000 milligrams or 12 grams as it can lead to toxicity. A few people have reported instances of anxiety, insomnia, restlessness and overstimulation, heart palpitations and arrhythmia due to high doses of tyrosine.

Tyrosine Side Effects, Contraindications and Interactions

L-tyrosine supplements should be taken with caution as it results to various side effects. It should not be taken by people who take stimulants as tyrosine can increase sensitivity to it. It must also be avoided by patients with melanoma as it may have detrimental effects on the enzyme melanin. Tyrosine has the tendency to elevate blood pressure so it should not be taken along with dietary medications.

In addition, some patients have reported minor side effects in taking tyrosine supplements, including headaches, migraine, indigestion, stomach trouble and gastrointestinal upset.

When taking tyrosine supplements, it is very important that you take the right L-tyrosine dosage that was suggested by your doctor or in the labels.

• Possible L-Tyrosine Side Effects
• Best Food Sources for L-Tyrosine
• The Many Benefits of L-Tyrosine Amino Acid