L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid, a building block of protein, that your body naturally produces and is also found in foods; it has been studied for its effects on brain function, particularly under stress. It works by serving as a precursor, or starting material, for important brain chemicals called catecholamines, like dopamine and norepinephrine, and is most known for helping maintain mental performance during demanding situations. Reviews of studies suggest L-Tyrosine effectively enhances cognitive performance during short-term stressful or cognitively demanding events, especially when dopamine or norepinephrine levels are temporarily low.
Table of Contents
Categories & Effectiveness
Cognition
Attention & Focus
4/10Moderate evidence of effectiveness
Executive Functions (Planning, Impulse Control)
4/10Moderate evidence of effectiveness
Working & Long-term Memory
4/10Moderate evidence of effectiveness
Energy
Fatigue Reduction
4/10Moderate evidence of effectiveness
Mood
Anxiety / Stress Reduction
4/10Moderate evidence of effectiveness
Benefits by Use Case
Cognitive Boost Under Stress
Helps maintain cognitive performance (like working memory) during short-term, stressful situations. Effects appear most reliable when stress temporarily depletes dopamine or norepinephrine.
Counteracting Stress Effects
May reduce the negative impact of acute stressors (like cold exposure or demanding tasks) on neurotransmitter function and performance. Its potential for treating clinical disorders or enhancing physical exercise seems limited.
Supporting Neurotransmitter Levels
Provides the raw material for dopamine and norepinephrine synthesis, potentially counteracting temporary depletion. Benefits depend on intact neurotransmitter function and temporary depletion.
