L-Tyrosine shows up on the label of many skin and "glow" supplements. Here is what it is, where you already get it, and the safety points worth knowing.
What L-Tyrosine is
Tyrosine is an amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein. Your body can make it from another amino acid, phenylalanine, and uses it to make proteins and brain chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine (WebMD).
Where you already get it
Tyrosine is in many everyday foods, including cheese, sesame seeds, soybeans, tofu, meat, poultry and fish. Most people in the U.S. get enough from the protein in their diet.
What the research says
Tyrosine has been studied for things like mental clarity and exercise, but the benefits are not well established, and there is no clear evidence it improves exercise performance. The FDA has not reviewed tyrosine supplements for safety or effectiveness. Treat any bold claim about it with caution.
Who should check with a doctor first
- Anyone taking thyroid medication such as levothyroxine: tyrosine may change the amount of thyroid hormone in the body.
- Anyone who has taken an MAO inhibitor (a type of antidepressant) in the last two weeks.
- Anyone with liver disease.
- Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding: effects in pregnancy are not known, and tyrosine passes into breast milk.
Tyrosine is generally well tolerated, but stop and get medical help right away if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing. Never take a double serving to make up for a missed one.
How to read the label
Look for the amount of L-Tyrosine per serving on the Supplement Facts panel, and take only the serving shown. Check the other active ingredients too. Many glow formulas combine tyrosine with beta-carotene, which has its own safety notes.
It is not sun protection
No supplement protects your skin from UV rays. Keep using a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. More in Do tanning gummies replace sunscreen?
Our Tannies Daily Tanning Gummies list 350 mg of L-Tyrosine, 7 mg of beta-carotene and 2 mg of copper on the front of the pouch. They are not a sunscreen.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting a supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, take medication or have a health condition. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.