L tyrosine is one of the most important amino acids which are considered to be the essential part of the structural proteins. As tyrosine can increase the efficiency of different organs, it is necessary to keep the proper level of tyrosine in the body. Tyrosine plays a very important role in generating nerve impulse and keeps the individual alert. Other than alertness, tyrosine is involved in the production of melanin. Melanin is a pigment in the skin of humans. People who are lacking melanin in their body are hypersensitive to bright light.

Tyrosine can be used for enhancing the memory 

Tyrosine can be used for enhancing the memory and boosting the immune system of the body. Although, very little research is conducted on tyrosine, but still the researchers come up with valuable information regarding tyrosine. No side effects of tyrosine are reported or documented yet. Tyrosine is considered as safe if taken as a supplement. Some people may suffer from headache, nausea, fatigue or joint pain. Furthermore, there is not much information available regarding the effect of tyrosine on children.

Tyrosine is present in the food stuffs such as milk, meat, oats, fish and grains. Using these food stuffs in greater quantity cause no harm to the body, instead it increases the amount of tyrosine in the body. Increased amount of tyrosine boost the immune system of the body. Scientists and researchers are working on the different aspects of tyrosine. Not much information is available regarding the use of tyrosine as a supplement for the pregnant women or women who are breast feeding. No complaints regarding the misuse of tyrosine are seen yet.

According to few medical specialists, misuse (intake in very high amount) of tyrosine can lead to increased production of thyroxin. An uncontrolled increase in the thyroxin may lead to hyperthyroidism. After few clinical trials, it is clear that if a person is having a greater level of thyroxin in the body, he/she should not use tyrosine as a supplement. Using tyrosine as a supplement in case of increased thyroxin will have an adverse effect on the body.

Tyrosine can be used to get rid of depression and grief

Tyrosine can be used to get rid of depression and grief. Epinephrine and nor-epinephrine are called as stress hormones; and tyrosine is involved in the production of these hormones. Some researchers believe that, under stress, the body cannot make tyrosine from phenylalanine. Studies carried out on humans and animals suggest that tyrosine may help improve memory and performance under psychological stress, but more research is needed. Many people are using tyrosine in a greater amount for the sake of pleasure. Individuals who want higher levels of alertness can use tyrosine in greater volume as no side effects regarding the overuse of tyrosine are reported until now. Some athletes who use tyrosine claim that tyrosine boost their athletic performance. But, there is no recorded proof whether it is true or not. Few people may suffer from nausea or headache for the first time.

It is interesting to know that after few clinical trials; a decreased amount of tyrosine in the body resulted in poor immune response and poor reflexes, whereas the increased amount of tyrosine in the body has no adverse effect. These clinical trials support the use of tyrosine as food supplements. People who were taking tyrosine as supplements were interviewed by few university students. The results of interviews clearly showed that people who have been taking tyrosine as supplement were free from stress. Few people also report that they felt more fresh and alert after taking tyrosine. Indications of skin freshness after taking tyrosine is also documented in few research studies. No hormonal imbalance has been yet reported by any individual who uses tyrosine as a supplement.

Taking tyrosine on an empty stomach enhances the levels dopamine in the brain

Tyrosine is an amino acid precursor of many important neurotransmitters such as nor-epinephrine and dopamine. Clinical trials depict that taking tyrosine on an empty stomach is supposed to enhances the levels of nor-epinephrine and dopamine in the brain, that can result in  increased energy, improved moods, and physical and mental alertness, thus relieving depression. But, tyrosine must be used cautiously by the people having hypertension, as it can raise blood pressure.

As L-tyrosine is naturally occurring in the human body, so it is considered safe when used as a supplement. Food supplements have shown good results in improving the human health. For this reason increase in the use of these food supplements is seen for last few years. Not much is known about the misuse and side effects of tyrosine. Further research is required to know the pros and cons of tyrosine.