N Acetyl L Tyrosine
Also Known as Tyrosine or L-Tyrosine
- N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, or NALT for short, is considered to be a modified formulation of a non-essential amino acid.
- L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that the body is capable of producing internally, but supplementation is often necessary to optimize cognitive function. NALT is modified from normal L-Tyrosine because it contains the addition of acetic acid. This actually helps to increase the compound’s Bioavailability so that it is better absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
- Acetic acid also has some important benefits in its own right for brain health. For these reasons, this is the best-selling form of supplemental L-Tyrosine.
Contents
Benefits
- Some animal and human studies suggest that L-Tyrosine supplements may help improve memory and performance under psychological stress.
- Phenylketonuria:Tyrosine has been used as a medical treatment to improve the symptoms associated with phenylketonuria, or PKU. PKU is a serious condition that causes your body to block the absorption of the amino acid, phenylalanine, which is essential in the health and maintenance of brain function. According to the book, “Nutrition for Health, Fitness, and Sport,” N-acetyl L-tyrosine is effective in increasing serum tyrosine levels in the blood, and can be an effective treatment for PKU.
- Stress:L-Tyrosine is involved in the production of the stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine. Some researchers believe that, under stress, the body isn’t able to make enough L-Tyrosine from Phenylalanine. Supplementation with additional tyrosine, such as in the form of N-acetyl L-tyrosine, may help improve performance and memory when you are under psychological stress.
- Sleep Aid: N-acetyl L-tyrosine can be used as an effective sleep aid, according to the book, “Essentials of Sports Nutrition and Supplements.” Tyrosine is needed for the synthesis of brain chemicals, such as serotonin. Serotonin is a brain neurotransmitter that is sometimes called the “happiness hormone” and can increase your mood and help you sleep at night. Taking 500 mg of N-acetyl L-tyrosine before bed may help you fall asleep faster and provide a deeper, more restful sleep.
Interactions
Levodopa:
- Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination: Talk with your health provider. Tyrosine might decrease how much levodopa the body absorbs. By decreasing how much levodopa the body absorbs, tyrosine might decrease the effectiveness of levodopa. Do not take tyrosine and levodopa at the same time.
Thyroid hormone:
- Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination: Talk with your health provider. The body naturally produces thyroid hormones. Tyrosine might increase how much thyroid hormone the body produces. Taking tyrosine with thyroid hormone pills might cause there to be too much thyroid hormone. This could increase the effects and side effects of thyroid hormones.
Other Names
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, Acétyl-L-Tyrosine, L-Tyrosine, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, N-Acétyl L-Tyrosine, N-Acetyl-Tyrosine, N-Acétyl-Tyrosine, Tirosina, Tyr, Tyrosinum, 2-amino-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid.
References
- Source: www.rxlist.com/tyrosine-page3/supplements.htm
- Source: King, Joe M.S., “The Effects of N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine”, 16 Aug 2013, www.livestrong.com/article/494776-the-effects-of-n-acetyl-l-tyrosine/