9 Best L-Tyrosine Supplements (2024) Reviewed and Compared
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Posted by
Kelly McGeehan
Are you looking to increase productivity throughout the workday? Do you suffer from brain fog?
If so, you might benefit from an L-tyrosine supplement. While it’s already a common ingredient in pre-workout supplements, tyrosine on its own may have benefits for brain health and cognition. This non-essential amino acid has been linked to improved cognitive function and memory. However, many of these claims are based on isolated studies. Is L-tyrosine worth it? This article covers whether an L-tyrosine supplement is worth the try and the best L-tyrosine supplements on the market.
What is L-tyrosine?
Tyrosine is an amino acid made from another amino acid called phenylalanine.
It contributes to the production of some important neurotransmitters, like norepinephrine (increases alertness and arousal), epinephrine (aka adrenaline), and dopamine (increases motivation and feelings of happiness). Combined, these neurotransmitters influence our stress levels and moods.
Tyrosine plays other roles, too. It can help produce melanin, the substance that gives our hair and skin pigment. It also helps regulate important endocrine system organs like the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands.
In supplement form, companies label and sell tyrosine as L-tyrosine. They claim that their L-tyrosine supplements can enhance cognitive function and improve focus.
Why Should You Take an L-tyrosine Supplement?
Most of tyrosine’s supposed benefits revolve around concentration and brain function.
Since it helps produce the neurotransmitters responsible for cognitive function, research suggests that tyrosine supplementation can enhance memory, concentration, and overall mental performance.
In particular, studies suggest that tyrosine can improve one’s ability to focus when under pressure. A 2013 study showed that participants who took tyrosine before completing a mentally demanding task performed better than the placebo group.
Research also highlights that tyrosine supplementation may enhance cognitive flexibility, or the ability to shift attention between tasks. One study showed that participants who took tyrosine before taking a test assessing cognitive flexibility performed better than the placebo group.
Lastly, older research suggests that tyrosine may improve cognitive function in sleep-deprived individuals. A 1995 study showed that sleep-deprived participants who took tyrosine performed better on given mental tasks than the sleep-deprived placebo group. However, additional research is needed to support this claim.
There have also been anecdotal claims that L-tyrosine supplementation can aid weight loss because of its effect on the thyroid gland. However, we don’t have the research to support this claim.
The Best 10 L-tyrosine Supplements
Every product on our list is third-party tested and cGMP-approved (current Good Manufacturing Practices.)
*Note: We do have affiliate links throughout this article, which means we receive a commission if you purchase from any of our links. This supports our mission to bring complicated health and fitness info in an entertaining package. And it keeps us from putting up annoying things like banner ads. Those suck.
1) Thorne Research L-tyrosine
Price: From $24.00
Thorne Research L-Tyrosine takes the top spot on our list for its versatility and overall quality. Its 500 mg capsules make it great for experimentation. You can take one capsule per day or double up for enhanced effects. It is also gluten-free and comes in a vegetarian capsule. Each bottle contains 90 capsules, which gives you 45 to 90 servings.
2) NOW Foods L-tyrosine
Price: From $8.70
Now Foods L-tyrosine is a high-quality supplement at an affordable price. Each bottle contains 120 500 mg capsules that are suitable for vegetarian diets. Its capsules are also free of artificial flavors and preservatives.
NOW also uses pharmaceutical grade ingredients in this product.
3) Jarrow Formulas L-tyrosine
Price: From $8.97
Jarrow Formulas L-tyrosine is another product that offers quality and quantity. Every vegetarian capsule contains 100 servings of 500 mg of L-tyrosine. It’s also gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. Jarrow Formulas third-party tests its products in a GMP-compliant facility.
4) California Gold Nutrition L-tyrosine
Price: From $7.00
California Gold Nutrition is a great option for L-tyrosine newbies. It contains 500 mg of L-tyrosine in every serving and comes in a vegetarian capsule. Plus, California Gold Nutrition offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all purchases, which shows they’re confident in their product and have their customers’ best interest.
The only downside is that it only contains 60 capsules. So if you plan to double your dosage, you’ll run out of product quickly.
5) BulkSupplements L-tyrosine
Price: From $12.31
This is another great option for bulk and powder lovers. Every scoop of Bulksupplements L-tyrosine powder contains 1000 mg of L-tyrosine that can be added to any beverage or recipe. Its ingredients are third-party lab tested and free of sugar, soy, and gluten.
Bulksupplements offers powder packages containing 100 to 1000 servings, so you can choose whichever serving size best suits your needs.
6) Doctor’s Best L-tyrosine
Price: From $10.15
Doctor’s Best L-tyrosine is another great supplement option. Each bottle contains 120 500 mg veggie capsules, which makes it great for doubling up dosages. It is also non-GMO, gluten-free, and suitable for vegetarian diets.
7) Source Naturals L-tyrosine
Price: From $10.26
Source Naturals L-tyrosine is another pick that offers quality and quantity. Its high-quality ingredients are third-party tested and free of gluten, soy, wheat, sugar, artificial colors, and artificial flavors. Plus, its dosing makes it a versatile option for L-tyrosine newbies or experts alike. Each bottle contains 120 500 mg tablets. It also contains 110 mg of calcium for an added health boost.
8) Country Life L-tyrosine Caps
Price: From $14.30
Country Life L-tyrosine is a great option for alternative diets. It is Certified gluten-free and Certified vegetarian. Every vegetarian capsule contains 500 mg of free-form L-tyrosine and 8 mg of vitamin B6 for utilization and overall brain health. It is also free from artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. Every bottle contains 100 servings.
9) Natural Factors L-tyrosine
Price: From $6.97
Natural Factors is the most budget-friendly option on our list. It contains 500 mg of L-tyrosine and 50 mg of calcium in every serving. It also comes in a vegetarian capsule and is free from artificial colors or preservatives.
The one downside is that it contains only 60 servings, so it’s not the best option if you plan on taking two or more capsules a day.
How We Ranked
Although we ranked these supplements, we want you to decide on the best product for you.
Here’s what we took into consideration when ranking these products.
Strict Testing Standards
The supplement industry isn’t FDA-regulated, making finding a reputable supplement challenging.
That’s why we only select companies that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations and have their products third-party tested.
Ingredients
Doses of L-tyrosine in clinical studies ranged from 100 to 500 mg. Due to this, we looked for dietary supplements with doses on the upper end of this range for maximum effect. We also considered additional beneficial ingredients, like calcium or vitamin B6.
Value
Living our healthiest lives can get expensive. Because of this, we selected high-quality products that won’t hurt your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the side effects of L-tyrosine?
L-tyrosine supplementation is considered safe. No serious side effects have been reported, even when taken in large doses. That being said, L-tyrosine interacts with certain medications. You should talk to a healthcare professional before adding an L-tyrosine supplement to your diet.
What should you not mix L-tyrosine with?
While L-tyrosine supplements are safe for most people, they can interact with certain medications. Medications include enzyme inhibitors, antidepressants, and thyroid hormone medications. As always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement.
What is the recommended dose?
Most people can safely take 100 mg to 1000 mg of L-tyrosine per day.
What is the difference between L-tyrosine and tyrosine?
L-tyrosine is the supplement form of tyrosine. It is different from N-acetyl L-tyrosine (NALT), a nootropic also derived from tyrosine.
How does l-tyrosine compare to l-theanine?
While they’re both popular for brain performance, they’re totally different amino acids that work by different mechanisms and provide different effects. For more on l-theanine, check out this article on l-theanine supplements.
