L-tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid. The body can make L-tyrosine from the amino acid phenylalanine. L-tyrosine rich foods include animal meat, wheat products, oatmeal and seafood. It is a precursor, as well as a precursor to the adrenal hormones norepinephrine and epinephrine. L-tyrosine is a precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine, supplementing with L-tyrosine may heighten mental alertness, increase feelings of well being, decrease feelings of depression, and offset physical and mental fatigue and help avoid overtraining.

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L-tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid. The body can make L-tyrosine from the amino acid phenylalanine. L-tyrosine rich foods include animal meat, wheat products, oatmeal and seafood. It is a precursor, as well as a precursor to the adrenal hormones norepinephrine and epinephrine. L-tyrosine is a precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine, supplementing with L-tyrosine may heighten mental alertness, increase feelings of well being, decrease feelings of depression, and offset physical and mental fatigue and help avoid overtraining.

L-tyrosine also serves to protect the integrity of the skin. Melanin, a substance which acts to protect the skin when the epidermis has been exposed to ultraviolet light, is derived from L-tyrosine. If a shortage of melanin is present within the body [because of a lack of L-tyrosine], skin defenses will be compromised. Melanin, which is derived from L-tyrosine, chemically reacts with sunlight to form a protective shield that protects the deeper layers of skin tissue.

Because persons suffering from depression frequently have low blood levels of this amino-acid, it may prove beneficial for members of this population to supplement with L-Tyrosine. People suffering from neurological degeneracy may also benefit from supplemental L-tyrosine.

Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) are two tyrosine based hormones, the Thyroid Gland in our body secretes. These hormones regulate body growth, metabolism, skin health, and mental state. These hormones help boost the body's Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) (number of calories burnt) and the body's permissiveness sensitivity to Catecholamines (e.g. Adrenaline). Because of this, L-tyrosine may prove effective for weight loss.

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