From the Guidelines
L-tyrosine supplementation is beneficial for preterm infants, with a recommended lower limit of tyrosine intake of at least 18 mg/kg per day, as stated in recommendation R 3.13 1. The benefits of L-tyrosine supplementation are primarily related to its role as a precursor to important neurotransmitters and its potential to support cognitive function and stress management.
- Typical dosages for L-tyrosine supplementation vary, but for preterm infants, the focus is on ensuring adequate intake to support growth and development.
- L-tyrosine works by serving as a precursor to neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which are crucial for mood regulation, focus, and stress response.
- Research, as outlined in the guidelines for pediatric parenteral nutrition 1, highlights the importance of amino acid intake, including L-tyrosine, for maintaining nitrogen equilibrium and supporting growth in infants and children.
- For term infants, the advisable tyrosine intake is 94 mg tyrosine/kg per day, as per recommendation R 3.14 1.
- While the provided evidence primarily focuses on pediatric parenteral nutrition, the principles of amino acid requirements, including L-tyrosine, underscore the importance of these nutrients for overall health and development.
- It is essential to consult healthcare providers for specific guidance on L-tyrosine supplementation, especially for individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medications.
From the Research
L-Tyrosine Benefits
The benefits of L-tyrosine supplementation include:
- Enhancement of cognitive performance, particularly in short-term stressful and/or cognitively demanding situations 2
- Promotion of cognitive flexibility, as evidenced by reduced switching costs in task switching performance 3
- Improvement of working memory and inhibitory control, with effects determined by DRD2 genotypes 4
- Association with improved cognitive performance, including working memory, fluid intelligence, and episodic memory, in both younger and older adults 5
Potential Interactions and Considerations
- Chronic administration of L-tyrosine may cause changes in mitochondrial energy metabolism and oxidative stress in the brain, which can be prevented by omega-3 fatty acid supplementation 6
- Individual differences in response to L-tyrosine supplementation may be influenced by genetic factors, such as DRD2 genotypes 4
- Habitual dietary tyrosine intake has been shown to be associated with cognitive performance in both younger and older adults 5