Proteins are made up of so many amino acids and one of them is known as L-tyrosine. Briefly, if we consider what proteins are, it might help us in understanding the importance of L-tyrosine. Proteins are made up of smaller units called as amino acids. Amino acids are differentiated as essential and non essential amino acids. All the amino acids which are considered to be the components of structural proteins are having an amino group at alpha position. That’s why they are written as L- amino acids. Similar is the case with the L-tyrosine. When tyrosine molecule attaches with any other molecule and forms a side chain it is called as L-tyrosine. The tyrosine is made by the body itself. Tyrosine is known as the foundation of the protein molecule and is made from another amino acids in the body of a human. Tyrosine is an amino acid which is used in the synthesis of the proteins in the body. One can say that tyrosine acts as the building block of proteins. The word tyrosine is derived from Greek origin; which means “cheese”. It was discovered from the casein protein which is present abundantly in the cheese. Tyrosine is present in different structural proteins, although it is considered to be non essential amino acid. Tyrosine is also present in few hormones and body pigments. Amino acids form different products, when they assemble themselves in long chains.
As tyrosine was firstly discovered in the cheese, so it is mainly found in dairy products. Milk, butter and cream are good sources of tyrosine. Other than the dairy products, it is present in meat, fish and egg. Pulses and grains are also considered to have tyrosine in them. Individuals who take these food items in their routine diet can never get any problem leading from the deficiency of tyrosine.
Tyrosine is utilized by the body in the synthesis of several neurotransmitters
The body makes tyrosine from some other amino acids such as phenylalanine. Tyrosine is utilized by the body in the synthesis of several neurotransmitters. Epinephrine and dopamine are the most important neurotransmitters which are synthesized from L-tyrosine. The products which are made with the help of tyrosine are essential for the proper functioning of the body. Tyrosine has a connection with the feelings and emotions of an individual. Tyrosine is found in many food items which we use in our daily life. Traces of tyrosine are seen in wheat, meat, fish, eggs and nuts. It’s mentioned earlier that L-tyrosine is synthesized by the essential amino acid L-phenylalanine. All the enzymes are protein in nature. The tyrosine hydroxylase enzymes convert tyrosine into catecholamines. Catecholamines are derived from tyrosine, these catecholamines are water soluble and can easily circulate in the blood stream. In the human body, the most abundant catecholamines which are produced from phenylalanine and tyrosine are nor epinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine. Tyrosine is normally created by the hydroxylation of phenylalanine and the enzyme responsible for this hydroxylation is phenylalanine hydroxylase. Tyrosine can also be ingested directly from dietary proteins and is normally used in the secretion of neurotransmitters after several reactions. So, tyrosine is responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses in the human body. The first catecholamine produced after the series of reactions from tyrosine is dopamine. Epinephrine and nor-epinephrine are then further produced from dopamine. Few bodybuilders think that tyrosine increases brain neurotransmitter concentration, as a result the combat power of the individual increases. In addition to mild stimulant effect, tyrosine may act as an anti-stress supplement.
Tyrosine is also involved in the synthesis of melanin in the human skin. It can be said that tyrosine is an integral part of the body, as proteins are essential for the proper functioning of the body and tyrosine is part of larger protein molecules. L tyrosine is considered to be one of the important amino acid, as the cellular structure in the human body is mostly composed of protein molecules. Tyrosine being part of these protein molecules is essential in signal transmission in the body. One can understand that tyrosine is very important in conveying the messengers in the body. Tyrosine is involved in production of neurotransmitters, these neurotransmitters play a great role in conveying messages to the brain and other effector organs of the body. Tyrosine is naturally present in many food items. Tyrosine deficiency can be fulfilled by eating different food items. Food items which are having tyrosine in greater amount can increase the level of tyrosine in the individual’s body. One can say that tyrosine is very important amino acid and is necessary for the proper functioning of the human body. Taking tyrosine rich diets can help improve the body functions.