Should i take tyrosine or phenylalanine

However, when these rodents were given a tyrosine supplement, the decline in neurotransmitters was reversed and their memory was restored. While rodent data does not necessarily translate to humans, human studies have found similar results. In one study in 22 women, tyrosine significantly improved working memory during a mentally demanding task, compared to a placebo.

Working memory plays an important role in concentration and following instructions In a similar study, 22 participants were given either a tyrosine supplement or placebo before completing a test used to measure cognitive flexibility. Compared to the placebo, tyrosine was found to improve cognitive flexibility Cognitive flexibility is the ability to switch between tasks or thoughts. The quicker a person can switch tasks, the greater their cognitive flexibility.

Additionally, supplementing with tyrosine has been shown to benefit those who are sleep deprived. And while tyrosine may provide cognitive benefits, no evidence has suggested that it enhances physical performance in humans 16 , 17 , Lastly, no research suggests that supplementing with tyrosine in the absence of a stressor can improve mental performance. Phenylketonuria PKU is a rare genetic condition caused by a defect in the gene that helps create the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase Your body uses this enzyme to convert phenylalanine into tyrosine, which is used to create neurotransmitters 4.

However, without this enzyme, your body cannot break down phenylalanine, causing it to build up in the body. The primary way to treat PKU is to follow a special diet that limits foods containing phenylalanine However, because tyrosine is made from phenylalanine, people with PKU can become deficient in tyrosine, which can contribute to behavioral problems Supplementing with tyrosine may be a viable option for alleviating these symptoms, but the evidence is mixed.

In one review, researchers investigated the effects of tyrosine supplementation alongside or in place of a phenylalanine-restricted diet on intelligence, growth, nutritional status, mortality rates and quality of life The researchers analyzed two studies including 47 people but found no difference between supplementing with tyrosine and a placebo.

A review of three studies including 56 people also found no significant differences between supplementing with tyrosine and a placebo on the outcomes measured The researchers concluded that no recommendations could be made about whether tyrosine supplements are effective for the treatment of PKU.

Depression is thought to occur when the neurotransmitters in your brain become unbalanced. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to help realign and balance them Tyrosine was found to have no antidepressant effects Depression is a complex and varied disorder. This is likely why a food supplement like tyrosine is ineffective at combating its symptoms.

Nevertheless, depressed individuals with low levels of dopamine, adrenaline or noradrenaline may benefit from supplementing with tyrosine. Can PKU be inherited? Do PKU carriers have symptoms? Who is most likely to get PKU? What is maternal PKU syndrome? How does PKU affect the body? What triggers phenylketonuria? How does PKU affect the brain? Can PKU develop in adults?

What medicines contain phenylalanine? Can you have mild PKU? What does PKU test for? Why is phenylalanine toxic to the brain? What is the purpose of phenylalanine? What are side effects of phenylalanine? Is phenylalanine an appetite suppressant? When should I take phenylalanine? Previous Article What tactics did Stokely Carmichael use? Posted 24 December - AM Proteins and various other things of the like, I think it would also be converted to tyrosine and made into thyroid hormones.

Posted 24 December - AM They both use the same transport protein, so thats about as competitive as it gets. So amino acids are best taken on an empty stomach? That makes sense, isn't as convenient though. What is peripheral decarboxylation? Is it decarboxylation in the PNS? So tryptophan gets turned into serotonin in the PNS If you take l tyrosine do it on an empty stomach otherwise it is infective.

What do you mean? Posted 24 December - PM They both use the same transport protein, so thats about as competitive as it gets. Posted 25 December - AM First question, you pretty much got it, stuff like green tea has been found to act as a safe inhibitor of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase and is virtually devoid of any amino acid but theanine.

Second Question: pretty much what happens if you take it on a full stomach is the competition from the other AA's prevents it from being absorbed in significant quantities I always had pretty big veins, could this be because I have a deficit in serotonin?

I don't like the idea of taking something like enzyme inhibitors in the long term I guess I'll just continue taking my current amount of tryptophan, but on an empty stomach. I'm taking three heaping teaspoons of inositol a day and it works great. Inositol has apparently been shown to reduce serotonin desensitivation, which I just found out, so I don't need to increase my dosage of tryptophan or take a enzyme inhibitor.

Inositol is the most enjoyable supplement I've ever taken. Caffeine gives me nervous energy, but inositol gives me greatness energy.

Inositol also tastes sweet and dissolves nicely in water. Lysine is excellent as a natural medicine and should be utilized to the fullest to naturally treat the body in times of illness or environmental stress. However, long-term, daily supplementation is best done in conjunction with frequent blood testing and under the care of a health professional. Methionine is a helper amino acid. It aids the body in producing other amino acids and also helps the body effectively process dietary fat.

How can I get an adequate amount of methionine? Brazil nuts are an amazing source of methionine. Other foods high in methionine include eggs, cheese, chicken, beef, tuna and many different seeds. Methionine supplements — take or skip? Methionine is present in nearly all protein-containing foods.

In some cases, methionine supplementation is recommended, such as frequent urinary tract infections, certain allergies, depression and degenerative brain conditions. Speak with your medical practitioner about supplementation if you suffer from the aforementioned conditions. The essential amino acid phenylalanine is necessary for human bodies to produce and maintain vital hormones and neurotransmitters for the brain. How can I get an adequate amount of phenylalanine?

Phenylalanine is found abundantly in animal protein foods like fish, meat, eggs and dairy products. Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy good levels of phenylalanine in soy products, nuts, seeds and beans. Phenylalanine supplements — take or skip? People with the rare disorder called phenylketonuria PKU should never use supplements containing phenylalanine. PKU is normally diagnosed in childhood.

Because most protein-containing foods also contain phenylalanine, you can generally skip this supplement if you eat a healthy and varied diet full of quality proteins. The essential amino acid threonine supports digestive health, immune response, brain and cardiovascular functions in the body.

Threonine also helps protect the liver and connective tissues in the body. Of the essential amino acids, you could say this one is super essential. How can I get an adequate amount of threonine? Thankfully, almost all high protein foods contain threonine. Threonine supplements — take or skip? Too much threonine from supplements can be toxic.

Optimal levels of tryptophan have been linked to less inflammation, more stable moods, better digestion and good sleep patterns.