Contents
Benefits and functions of serine nonessential amino acid
What is tyrosine?
Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid that can be synthesized from another amino acid, called phenylalanine.
The abbreviation for this amino acid is Tyr.
Properties of tyrosine
- Tyrosine is an amino acid forming part of the central nervous system and it is essential for the proper functioning of the brain.
- It interacts with hormones that are neurotransmitters like dopamine and adrenaline or epinephrine and norepinephrine, which have an influence on the mood.
- Good levels of tyrosine are required to help adapt to stress or anxiety or other problems such as headache because it also influences the synthesis of peptides like enkephalins.
- Popularly this amino acid is known for its anti-depressant properties, but it alone is not effective in treating this disease.
- As is the case with other amino acids, by affecting the nervous system and our mood, it tends to decrease appetite and minimize absorption and storage of some fats, beneficial in cases of cholesterol or cardiovascular problems.
- Also it has effect on the mucosa of the skin and hair, for their stimulatory effect of melanin. Melanin is produced in melanosomes from tyrosine, and it is the substance responsible for the particular coloration of the skin, preventing its depigmentation. Good levels of this amino acid can help improve skin health of people who want to tan, people with spots on the skin, vitiligo, people with gray hair.
- Tyrosine influences other hormones such as thyroid, together with iodine, so it is beneficial in people with disorders of the thyroid gland, or alterations of estrogens, such as menopause.
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| Soymilk is rich in tyrosine |
Contraindications of tyrosine
Its high consumption is not recommended in cases where there is a disorder of organs that metabolize or eliminate amino acids, such as the liver and kidneys.
In case of any illness, one should avoid taking supplements of tyrosine or other amino acid without medical supervision.
In the diet for lupus, it is recommended to reduce the intake of this amino acid, as well as reduce the intake of foods high in phenylalanine, another amino acid.
Foods containing tyrosine
Animal foods are those that contain more tyrosine, for example, Meat (beef, chicken, pork (trotters), gravies, lamb)
Within plant foods, we include, for example, Legumes and derivatives including beans, soybeans and soy products: tofu, tempeh, soymilk…
* More information: Foods rich in tyrosine
Tyrosine supplements
Although you can take supplements of tyrosine, it is recommended to meet the needs of this amino acid through a balanced diet. If supplementation is necessary, consult with the specialist before taking it.
* Related information:
– How to combine vegetable proteins
List of amino acids in food | |
Essential amino acids | Nonessential amino acids |
Phenylalanine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine | Aspartic acid, Glutaminic acid, Alanine, Arginine, Cysteine, Cystine, Glycine, Hydroxyproline, Proline, Serine, Tyrosine |
More information on amino acids.
