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Best L-Tyrosine Supplement For Boosting Mood & Energy In 2024
Updated on
- Written by Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD
Medically reviewed by
Melissa Mitri, MS, RD
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Performance Lab Caffeine+
- Easy to swallow capsules
- Patented nutrients from Suntheanine, Ajipure, and NutriGenesis
- Vegan-friendly
- Free from many major allergens
Mind Lab Pro
- Naturally-sourced
- Easily absorbed
- Includes 11 evidence-based nootropics
- Vegan-friendly
BulkSupplements Tyrosine
- Powder form may be mixed in smoothies or other beverages
- The product is third-party tested
- In-house lab verification at multiple stages of production
Tyrosine is one of the 20 amino acids (protein-building blocks), and it is considered a non-essential amino acid because it can be produced within the body. Nonetheless, it has gained popularity in the supplement market as researchers believe it can play a significant role in human cognitive function and mental performance.
Some research even suggests it can affect your physical performance. It can be found in a variety of food sources such as soy products, chicken, fish, avocado, peanuts, milk, and cheese, and it is also a key ingredient in some stim-free pre-workout supplements.
While tyrosine deficiency is relatively uncommon, research suggests that tyrosine supplements may help support mental function and help regulate mood. If you are interested in increasing your tyrosine intake, you might search for the best tyrosine supplement on the market.
This article will review the pros and cons of five of the best tyrosine supplements available and their potential effects on your cognitive function and physical performance.
Best L-Tyrosine Supplement To Buy In (April. 2024)
- Performance Lab Caffeine+ – Editor’s Choice
- Mind Lab Pro – Best tyrosine with organic lion’s mane mushroom
- BulkSupplements Tyrosine – Best tyrosine powder
- Thorne Research L-Tyrosine – Most in-house testing
- Nootropics Depot N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine – Most N-acetyl L-tyrosine provided per serving
5 Best L-Tyrosine Supplements For Stress & Anxiety In 2024
Performance Lab Caffeine+
Performance Lab Caffeine Plus offers caffeine stimulation without the short-term jitters and resulting long-term exhaustion. With 50 milligrams (mg) of natural caffeine, it provides 250 mg of Ajipure L-tyrosine to help boost your mental performance.
- Easy-to-swallow capsules
- Patented nutrients from Suntheanine, Ajipure, and NutriGenesis
- Vegan-friendly
- Free from many major allergens
- High-cost per serving
Performance Lab’s CORE Range products provide supplement formulas that support all aspects of human health. The Performance Lab Caffeine Plus is part of the CORE formulas. It was designed to promote calm energy and mental alertness while helping you manage stress and fatigue efficiently. It is vegan-friendly and free from most major allergens. It is also gluten-free and free from synthetic additives and artificial preservatives.
This tyrosine supplement includes 250 mg of Ajipure L-tyrosine and other supporting nutrients, such as 50 mg of natural caffeine, sourced from the Coffea robusta seed. In addition, you will also find Suntheanine L-theanine and the NutriGenesis caffeine balance B-complex, which includes vitamin B6, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and folate.
Performance Lab recommends taking one capsule daily for mental stimulation but states you can take up to five capsules daily or as advised by your doctor.
Mind Lab Pro
Mind Lab Pro aims to help improve your mental clarity and alertness with their L-tyrosine supplement. Along with N-acetyl L-tyrosine, it is rich in B vitamins and many other nutrients such as L-theanine, organic lion’s mane mushroom, citicoline, and others.
- Naturally-sourced
- Easily absorbed
- Includes 11 evidence-based nootropics
- Vegan-friendly
- High-cost per serving
Designed to boost your brain circulation, brain plasticity, and production of Alpha-frequency waves, Mind Lab Pro’s Universal Nootropic dietary supplement is rich in B vitamins, N-acetyl L-tyrosine, L-theanine, and many other nutrients. The noteworthy supplement is said to help improve your sense of calm, alertness, and clarity while fighting toxins and fatigue.
Mind Lab Pro includes 250 mg of citicoline, which has been shown to improve[1] brain cell membrane formation and brain energy. It also contains organic lion’s mane mushroom, which studies have discovered may help recover nervous system injuries,[2] improve symptoms of memory loss,[3] and reduce depression and anxiety.
In addition, the nootropics supplement is naturally sourced, easily absorbed, gluten-free, lactose-free, and free from unnecessary synthetic additives. Mind Lab Pro recommends taking two to four capsules daily, or as advised by your medical doctor.
BulkSupplements Tyrosine
BulkSupplement’s L-tyrosine powder is an excellent option for those who want the ease of adding an amino acid called phenylalanine to their protein shakes or smoothies. In addition, this tyrosine powder is a cost-effective way to boost your mood and mental function without any added ingredients.
- Powder form may be mixed in smoothies or other beverages
- The product is third-party tested
- In-house lab verification at multiple stages of production
- Subscribe-and-save buying option
- Cost-effective
- Tyrosine powder is not as convenient as capsules
Out of the many dietary supplements available through BulkSupplements; their L-tyrosine powder appears to be a favorite among their customer base. Almost 2,000 reviews reflect a high satisfaction rate for the supplement and its effects on brain chemistry. BulkSupplements also notes its potential to help maintain healthy body weight when paired with a balanced diet and routine exercise.
BulkSupplements supplies over 500 pure nutritional supplements, all made in their Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-registered facility under their Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations.
Their L-tyrosine powder includes just that- only L-tyrosine powder. With 200 servings in their smallest purchase size, each serving costs less than $0.07. The product is also offered in L-tyrosine capsules at a comparable price to the powder, pending your product preference.
Thorne Research L-Tyrosine
Partnered in research with Mayo Clinic and trusted by 11 United States Olympic teams, Thorne Research offers one of the best L-tyrosine supplements on the market. With each serving, you get 500 mg of L-tyrosine and peace of mind that the product has been thoroughly tested throughout production.
- Subscribe-and-save option
- Derived from natural flavors
- Each product is tested four times during production
- Wellness research collaboration with Mayo Clinic
- Least servings per container
Thorne Research’s L-tyrosine capsules provide 500 mg of L-tyrosine with each serving. The dietary supplement is gluten-free, dairy-free, and free from artificial flavors. It aims to support a healthy stress response, encourage optimal adrenal function, and support your thyroid hormones.
Thorne Research works with the Mayo Clinic on wellness research and partners with 11 United States Olympic teams and many professional athletes. The company also prides itself on its manufacturing processes and prioritizes working with suppliers that emphasize science, quality, and environmental responsibility in their practices. In addition, their products are tested four times at different stages of production to ensure that their customers get the best and safest product for their money.
Nootropics Depot N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
Nootropics Depot manufactures their N-acetyl L-tyrosine capsules in-house, from raw materials to finished products. Each serving provides 350 mg of N-acetyl L-tyrosine said to help improve your mental performance.
- Only one dose is recommended each day
- Provides N-acetyl L-tyrosine versus L-tyrosine alone
- Multiple buying options
- Smaller dose per capsule
The N-acetyl L-tyrosine capsules from Nootropics Depot can offer cognitive benefits by providing the amino acid tyrosine in combination with acetic acid. The addition of acetic acid increases tyrosine’s bioavailability, meaning it is more easily absorbed in the bloodstream.
In addition, nootropic stacks are designed to boost overall brain function, so Nootropics Depot’s N-acetyl L-tyrosine may help manage stress, focus, memory, and attention.
Each serving provides 350 mg of N-acetyl L-tyrosine in capsule form, made in a current cGMP-certified facility. The supplement has passed various quality tests, including identity, purity, heavy metal, strength, and microbial tests.
Nootropics Depot recommends one capsule daily or as advised by your healthcare professional.
What Is An L-Tyrosine Supplement?
Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that the body makes from another amino acid, phenylalanine. It is ingrained in the structure of almost every protein in the body and is key in producing several important brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These nervous system messengers, such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, help your nerve cells communicate and influence your mood. Tyrosine is also essential to thyroid hormone production.
Tyrosine deficiency is rare, but low levels have been associated with low blood pressure, an underactive thyroid gland, and low body temperature.
Tyrosine supplementation has been shown to provide many health benefits, including stress relief and improved cognitive function. In dietary supplements, you will commonly see tyrosine provided as L-tyrosine or N-acetyl L-tyrosine (NALT).
Many people rely on L-tyrosine supplements for support in stressful situations. Tyrosine differs from Kratom, a controversial herbal remedy, in that it increases mental clarity versus increasing energy. Furthermore, L-tyrosine is thought to be safe for most adults when taken up to three months, whereas Kratom has more significant potential side effects such as liver damage.
The best tyrosine supplements may also help improve exercise endurance[4] and muscle recovery, but there is still more research needed regarding the extent of those benefits. Still, some pre-workout supplements include tyrosine in their ingredients, secondary to its purported benefits.
L-Tyrosine Benefits
Tyrosine plays a role in many important body functions. Like its fellow amino acids, it acts as a building block for proteins within the body. Supplementing with the best L-tyrosine supplements has gained popularity as more research points to additional benefits. Taking L-tyrosine supplements may help in a variety of ways, including
- Producing enzymes
- Producing thyroid hormones
- Producing skin melanin
- Forming brain chemicals
- Helping nerve cells communicate
- Improving mental alertness
- Coping with sleep deprivation
- Treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic condition that causes phenylalanine to build up in the blood
- Increased exercise endurance[5]
You might consider other options, such as nootropics and muscle-building supplements that contain the amino acid and provide similar tyrosine benefits. Be sure to work with your doctor to help you choose the best L-tyrosine supplement for your individualized needs and monitor its effects on your health.
What To Look For In The Best L-Tyrosine Supplements
When trying to choose between the best L-tyrosine supplements on the market, there are a few factors to consider. You will want to consider the dosage, supplement form, and any potential contraindications of taking them concerning your medical history. Your doctor or registered dietitian can help you navigate your individual needs and decide between the many L-tyrosine products available.
Dosage
A typical dosage of L-tyrosine is 150 mg daily. It is recommended to take your L-tyrosine supplement before meal times, possibly three times per day. However, every product responds differently in the body, so follow the recommended dose on the product’s nutrition label or as your doctor advises. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Supplement Form
The best tyrosine supplements come in various forms, including L-tyrosine powder, L-tyrosine capsules, and even tyrosine gummies if you prefer a chewable supplement. The best tyrosine supplement is the one that fits your individual needs and is approved by your medical doctor.
For example, if you already drink a protein shake before a workout, consider adding an L-tyrosine powder to your recipe. On the other hand, if you like the ease of taking your supplements straight from the bottle, you might prefer tyrosine capsules or tyrosine gummies.
Contraindications
L-tyrosine supplements may interact with certain medications for conditions such as depression, thyroid disorders, frequent migraines, and Parkinson’s Disease. Furthermore, you should avoid taking even the best tyrosine supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Finally, it is important to discuss any new supplements with your doctor before adding them to your healthcare routine.
The Bottom Line
Adding a tyrosine supplement to a healthy diet can help promote healthy brain function and improve mental performance. Mental alertness and improved stress response are important for many people in our ever-busy world. It seems the world keeps spinning faster every day. Many people are turning to L-tyrosine supplements for their purported thyroid support, stress relief, and improved cognitive function.
There are several tyrosine supplements to choose from, each with its potential benefits. Depending on your lifestyle, you can choose tyrosine powder, tyrosine capsules, or even tyrosine gummies. Your body will digest and utilize each form differently, impacting its potential benefits.
This article is designed to be informative and does not take the place of medical advice. It is important to discuss L-tyrosine options with your trusted healthcare professional to choose the best tyrosine supplement for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
L-tyrosine can be very helpful in promoting healthy brain function by improving mental alertness as well as dopamine and adrenaline production. Other purported benefits include added stress relief, body weight management, thyroid support, and enhanced recovery for improved athletic performance.
The average dose of L-tyrosine is 150 mg per day. Follow the dosing recommendations on the product’s nutrition label or take as directed by your medical doctor.
Tyrosine supplements are generally considered safe, but they may interact with certain medications or be contraindicated with chronic health conditions. You should not take tyrosine supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a thyroid disorder, or suffer frequent migraines. Ask your doctor if tyrosine supplementation is right for you.
Some L-tyrosine supplements are vegan-friendly, but not all. Reading the nutrition labels carefully is important to ensure they fit your dietary restrictions. If you have additional questions, your doctor or registered dietitian can help you find the right supplement.
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- Tumilty, L., Davison, G., Beckmann, M. and Thatcher, R. (2011). Oral tyrosine supplementation improves exercise capacity in the heat. European Journal of Applied Physiology, [online] 111(12), pp.2941–2950. doi:10.1007/s00421-011-1921-4.
- M. Al-kuraishy, H. and I. Al-Gareeb, A. (2020). Citicoline Improves Human Vigilance and Visual Working Memory: The Role of Neuronal Activation and Oxidative Stress. Basic and Clinical Neuroscience Journal. [online] doi:10.32598/bcn.11.4.1097.1.
- Lee, K.-F., Chen, J.-H., Teng, C.-C., Shen, C.-H., Hsieh, M.-C., Lu, C.-C., Lee, K.-C., Lee, L.-Y., Chen, W.-P., Chen, C.-C., Huang, W.-S. and Kuo, H.-C. (2014). Protective Effects of Hericium erinaceus Mycelium and Its Isolated Erinacine A against Ischemia-Injury-Induced Neuronal Cell Death via the Inhibition of iNOS/p38 MAPK and Nitrotyrosine. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, [online] 15(9), pp.15073–15089. doi:10.3390/ijms150915073.
- Nagano, M., Shimizu, K., Kondo, R., Hayashi, C., Sato, D., Kitagawa, K. and Ohnuki, K. (2010). Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomedical research (Tokyo, Japan), [online] 31(4), pp.231–7. doi:10.2220/biomedres.31.231.
- Tumilty, L., Davison, G., Beckmann, M. and Thatcher, R. (2011). Oral tyrosine supplementation improves exercise capacity in the heat. European Journal of Applied Physiology, [online] 111(12), pp.2941–2950. doi:10.1007/s00421-011-1921-4.
Written by:
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
