Tyrosine belongs to the non-essential amino acids. The body can therefore produce and utilize the substance independently. Because tyrosine is involved in numerous processes, a deficiency can have serious consequences.
What is tyrosine?
Amino acids represent the basic building blocks of proteins. Depending on their length and sequence, each creates a different protein. Proteins, in turn, are needed throughout the body for various tasks: they build numerous structures and are involved in the formation of hormones such as insulin. Tyrosine plays an important role in the context of L-tyrosine, i.e. the thyroid hormones. A deficiency can have effects on metabolism, for example. Tyrosine is contained in numerous foods, they are components of the listed protein. For example, peas and soybeans are enriched with tyrosine. However, external tyrosine only becomes interesting when deficiency symptoms occur or an athlete strives for an increase in performance. Otherwise, additional intake is neither necessary nor usually particularly helpful. Because tyrosine is a substance produced naturally in the body, side effects are rarely encountered.
Anatomy and structure
The body can produce tyrosine on its own, so external intake becomes necessary only in individuals in whom the organism is no longer able to produce it to a sufficient degree for various reasons. Generally, tyrosine is produced in the liver, in which the conversion of another amino acid takes place: Phenylalanine. The enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase is mainly involved in this reaction. To carry out the process, the organism needs an oxygen molecule. Through the various unwindings, a hydrogen molecule is finally formed. While phenylalanine has strong hydrophobic properties, these are reduced by further processing to the amino acid tyrosine. The chemical structure involves side chains, which determine structure and function. Tyrosine is poorly soluble in water.
Function and tasks
The tasks of the amino acid are diverse. For example, it is fundamentally involved in the formation of important hormones and substances. Without tyrosine, adrenaline and noradrenaline cannot be produced. Adrenaline, in turn, is used in dangerous situations. The substance is a stress hormone. It provides energy as soon as a dangerous situation threatens. A lack of adrenaline can therefore have health consequences. Norepinephrine, on the other hand, is responsible for alertness and attention. It is sometimes prescribed to treat depression. Norepinephrine is obtained by the body from dopamine. Dopamine, in turn, is synthesized from tyrosine. This substance is also a neurotransmitter that can regulate motivation and arousal, for example. If the level of dopamine is too low or too high, symptoms reminiscent of Parkinson’s disease become noticeable. A neurotransmitter is generally used for communication between different nerve cells. In the context of circuits, for example, dopamine mediates a boost in drive. In general, tyrosine is responsible for the formation of many neurotransmitters. Accordingly, disturbances in its production resulting in a deficiency can have far-reaching consequences that are not limited to individual physical regions. Furthermore, the amino acid is relevant for the production of almost all proteins. As a link in a long or shorter amino acid chain, it determines the function and structure of the protein. Probably the best known task is the synthesis of thyroxine. As a thyroid hormone, this is involved in the entire metabolism. The positive effect on individual performance has already been tested in various studies. In most of these, the experimental group performed better than the control group, which received only a placebo. The tasks of tyrosine are thus manifold. Numerous effects can be found not only on a physical, but also a psychological level.
Diseases
A deficiency of tyrosine can lead to health problems. These are perceived as particularly diverse because the amino acid is involved in numerous processes. For example, a deficiency is noticeable in the fact that the production of thyroid hormones is no longer guaranteed. These in turn control the entire metabolism, so that various phenomena can occur.These include, above all, fatigue and weight gain, because the entire metabolism can only run at a slower rate. If the production of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine is disturbed, a state of exhaustion may result. The metabolic rate is reduced and substances that are supposed to stimulate the synthesis of adrenaline and noradrenaline show a greatly reduced effect. Instead, those affected perceive a general exhaustion. Tyrosine is involved in the formation of dopamine. This in turn is responsible for a positive mood. A deficiency of the amino acid can result in negative moods. Studies have shown that the tyrosine level in some depressed individuals remains below the guideline. In addition, consequences can be seen in the skin because tyrosine is considered a precursor of melanin. Melanin, in turn, ensures protection of the skin against harmful UV rays to a certain degree. To prevent a deficiency, a sufficient intake of phenylalanine is necessary. Soy products, nuts and seeds have larger amounts of the amino acid. In addition, artificial dietary supplements can counteract deficiency symptoms. As a rule, no side effects occur in the course of such treatment if the package insert is observed. Rarely, patients suffer from headaches, insomnia, restlessness, nervousness or palpitations due to tyrosine supplementation. If there is any doubt or question, a physician or pharmacist should be consulted first.
