Jett takes 100 mg of l-tyrosine in the morning.
Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid that is synthesized in the body from phenylalanine. As a precursor or building block for several important neurochemicals, tyrosine builds dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, all of which work to regulate mood. These neurotransmitters are commonly depleted in those who have used stimulant drugs for an extended period of time.
Benefits of Tyrosine
Because tyrosine is also involved in the synthesis of enkephalins (opioids), substances that have pain-relieving effects in the body, it appears to have some added pain relief benefits. Tyrosine seems to be especially beneficial when used in conjunction with 5-HTP.
Tyrosine is considered a mild antioxidant as well as having putative antidepressant effects.
Tyrosine is the amino acid and inhibitory neurotransmitter that often helps overcome depression. Clinical studies show that tyrosine controls medication-resistant depression.
In a 1980 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry, a study by Dr. Alan Gelenberg of Harvard Medical School discussed the role of tyrosine in the control of anxiety and depression. Dr. Gelenberg postulated that the lack of available tyrosine results in deficiency of the hormone norepinephrine at a specific location in the brain that relates to mood problems such as depression. Children given tyrosine supplementation demonstrated a marked improvement in mental performance and mood stability.
Tyrosine, because of its role in assisting the body to cope physiologically with stress and building the bodys natural store of adrenaline, deserves to be called the stress amino acid. Stress exhaustion requires tyrosine. During periods of stress, in order to continue coping with stress physiologically, the brain requires tyrosine. Tyrosine aids children and young teens, as well as adults, with recurrent depression and mood disorders. In children, dosage ranges from 200 to 500 mg daily.
Tyrosine & Thyroid
Thyroid hormones are produced from the amino acid Tyrosine (present in commonly consumed food items such as meat, dairy, and eggs) and iodine (found in iodised table salt, kelp, and fish). Functional niacin deficiency (as a result of high tryptophan demands) can result in poor stomach acid that will directly impair digestion of proteins. HCl - stomach acid - activates the enzyme peptidase that is responsible for the main breakdown of proteins. If the stomach produces weak acid, clearly, protein digestion will be impaired. This means less tyrosine available for the production of thyroid hormones and may result in hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a serious condition that affects glucose metabolism, blood calcium concentration (and therefore ionic balance), and bone density. It can impair growth and cause mental retardation. Iodine deficiency also causes hypothyroidism.
Precaution
Tyrosine aids in the production of melanin (pigment responsible for hair and skin color). Those with pre-existing pigmented melanoma should avoid tyrosine supplements, as it is suggested that tyrosine may increase the ability of the melanoma cells to spread.
Before taking any nutritional supplement, including amino acids, please first consult your health care provider.
Prefrontal cortex problems (typical ADD like symptoms) originally from http://www.docamen.net/bp/
removed) written by MD and neuroscientist, Dr. Daniel Amen
People with PFC (prefrontal cortex problems) seem to have lower availability of the neurotransmitter dopamine. The amino acid L-tyrosine in doses of 500-1500mg two to three times a day for adults and 100-500mg two to three times a day for children under 10 can help. L-tyrosine is the amino acid building block for dopamine. It is reported to increase the level of phenylethylamine (PEA), a mild stimulant that is found in high concentrations in chocolate. Many of my patients have reported that it is helpful for them. It is softer in its effect, but nonetheless they notice a positive effect. Because of absorption patterns I recommend that they take it on an empty stomach (a half-hour before meals or an hour after meals). I have not seen any side effects with L-tyrosine, except for mild weight loss. If there are cingulate problems, l-tyrosine by itself can increase the intensity of overfocused symptoms. Symptoms of tyrosine deficiency include hypothyroidism, low blood pressure, low body temperature (cold hands and feet), and restless leg syndrome. (Jett has hypothyroidism and low blood pressure.)
What is the prefrontal cortex?
This area of the brain is thought to be involved in planning complex cognitive behaviours and in the expression of personality and appropriate social behaviour. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the very front of the brain, located right beneath the forehead. It is in the anterior (front) region of the frontal lobes. Besides being the front of the brain physically, it is responsible for the executive functions, which include mediating conflicting thoughts, making choices between right and wrong or good and bad, predicting future events, and governing social control — such as suppressing emotional or sexual urges. The prefrontal cortex is the brain center most strongly implicated in qualities like sentience, human general intelligence, and personality.
Sources
http://www.neurogenesis.com/Amino-Acids/tyrosine.php
http://www.docamen.net/bp/
Article Autism: Mercury Induced Pellagra and Cretinism?
http://intelegen.com/nutrients/add.htm
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