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How Do I Choose the Best Tyrosine Supplement?

Angela Crout-Mitchell
Angela Crout-Mitchell

The process of choosing the most appropriate tyrosine supplement involves considering various factors, including the type of supplement, the correct dosage, and being aware of contraindications associated with this supplement. As a nutritional supplement, tyrosine offers a non-essential amino acid that affects the neurotransmitters of the brain and acts as a protein synthesis agent, along with providing other functions.

People frequently choose tyrosine as a nutritional supplement due to it reputation for improving moods, increasing energy levels, and to limit the risks of certain diseases such as heart disease, certain forms of cancer, and mental disorders. As with any other nutritional supplement however, it is important to consult a doctor before taking tyrosine.

Tyrosine supplements can be sold in powder form.
Tyrosine supplements can be sold in powder form.

Tyrosine supplement is available in either tablet, powder, or liquid form. Many people choose the tablet form for convenience and portability, and they are typically manufactured in 500 mg dosages. The powder form of the supplement is often added to protein shakes, beverages, or food for easy absorption. The standard dosage for the powdered version of tyrosine is 660 mg per every 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml). Liquid tyrosine supplement is often available in 500 mg dosages.

As with other dietary supplements, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not formally evaluated the effectiveness of tyrosine supplements available to consumers.
As with other dietary supplements, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not formally evaluated the effectiveness of tyrosine supplements available to consumers.

Dosage is very important when choosing the correct supplement. When taking the tyrosine tablet, an appropriate dosage is one or two tablets taken immediately before meals. Some people choose to break a tablet into pieces, and take the supplement a total of three times a day. The liquid form is also best taken before meals and the suggested dosage is 1 to 2 teaspoons daily. With either form of the supplement, the daily dosage should not exceed 1000 mg, as some people have experienced irregular heart rates and restlessness when too much is taken.

Patients with high blood pressure should not take tyrosine supplement products.
Patients with high blood pressure should not take tyrosine supplement products.

One of the most important factors of choosing tyrosine supplement products is their appropriateness for the person. There are some health conditions and medications that prohibit the use of this supplement including the use of prescription stimulants, high blood pressure patients, and patients with any form of melanoma.

Even if no contraindication is present, some people report headaches, migraine, and stomach upset after taking tyrosine in the beginning. Most medical experts recommend stopping using the supplement if any of these side effects become apparent. If the person suffers extreme side effect reactions to tyrosine, they are encouraged to seek emergency medical attention immediately, though those circumstances are rare.

Discussion Comments

discographer

I noticed that some tyrosine supplements are combined with other amino acids like 5-HTP. Is it better to use these or is it better to use a supplement that only contains tyrosine?

fify

@turquoise-- Are you sure that there are people taking 2000mg per day? That seems like a lot. I've never taken more than 1000mg and per day even that was too much for me and caused side effects. L-tyrosine supplements are effective in small doses, so you probably don't need so much.

But if you need to take more than 500mg per dose, I suggest getting L-tyrosine in powder form because you will get more per dose that way. You can buy the powder in bulk and save money.

I also think that the powder is easier to take. I mix mine in fruit juice and have it in the morning. Fruit juice increases the absorption of the amino acid.

turquoise

I have a bottle of L-tyrosine tablets and each tablet is 500mg. I've been looking up information on the most effective L-tyrosine dose and 1-2 grams/day seems to work best for people.

I'm thinking about starting out with 500mg/day and then increasing this over time. If I get to 2grams per day however, I will need to take four 500mg tablets and I'm not sure how to do that considering that it needs to be taken with meals.

Are there 1000mg or 1 gram tablets available? That would make my life much easier.

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    • Tyrosine supplements can be sold in powder form.
      By: lculig
      Tyrosine supplements can be sold in powder form.
    • As with other dietary supplements, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not formally evaluated the effectiveness of tyrosine supplements available to consumers.
      By: Ariwasabi
      As with other dietary supplements, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not formally evaluated the effectiveness of tyrosine supplements available to consumers.
    • Patients with high blood pressure should not take tyrosine supplement products.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      Patients with high blood pressure should not take tyrosine supplement products.
    • Side effects of tyrosine may include migraines.
      By: kmiragaya
      Side effects of tyrosine may include migraines.
    • Tyrosine side effects may include restlessness.
      By: Monkey Business
      Tyrosine side effects may include restlessness.
    • Powdered tyrosine may be added to protein shakes for easy absorption.
      By: Alliance
      Powdered tyrosine may be added to protein shakes for easy absorption.
    • Tyrosine supplements have a reputation for improving a person's mood and increasing their energy levels.
      By: rohappy
      Tyrosine supplements have a reputation for improving a person's mood and increasing their energy levels.
    • Emergency medical attention may be needed for someone who experiences severe side effects as a result of taking tyrosine.
      By: william87
      Emergency medical attention may be needed for someone who experiences severe side effects as a result of taking tyrosine.