Meta Information
ID:l-tyrosine
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/maois
Target name:
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
L-Tyrosine is a precursor to catecholamines like norepinephrine, and MAOIs block their breakdown. This combination can lead to a massive buildup of these compounds, causing a dangerous spike in blood pressure known as a hypertensive crisis.
Actionable advice:
Avoid completely if you are taking any MAOI medication.
Target id:
/condition/thyroid-disorders
Target name:
Thyroid Disorders (especially Hyperthyroidism)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
L-Tyrosine is a direct building block for thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). Supplementation can increase thyroid hormone production, potentially worsening conditions of thyroid overactivity like hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease.
Actionable advice:
Avoid L-Tyrosine if you have hyperthyroidism or other thyroid conditions, unless specifically approved by your endocrinologist.
Target id:
/condition/phenylketonuria
Target name:
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
In the genetic disorder PKU, the metabolism of amino acids is impaired. L-Tyrosine levels must be carefully managed by a physician as part of a therapeutic diet, and uncontrolled supplementation is contraindicated.
Actionable advice:
Do not take L-Tyrosine if you have Phenylketonuria (PKU).
Target id:
/intervention/levodopa
Target name:
Levodopa (L-DOPA)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
L-Tyrosine and Levodopa are both large neutral amino acids that compete for the same transport systems in the gut and at the blood-brain barrier. Taking them together can reduce Levodopa's absorption and effectiveness.
Actionable advice:
Separate L-Tyrosine and Levodopa doses by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/intervention/levothyroxine_systemic_disease
Target name:
Thyroid Hormone Medication (e.g., Levothyroxine)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
As a precursor to thyroid hormones, L-Tyrosine can augment the effects of thyroid medication, potentially leading to symptoms of an overactive thyroid. This may require a dose adjustment of the medication.
Actionable advice:
Consult your doctor before using; your thyroid medication dose may need to be monitored and adjusted.
Target id:
/class/stimulants
Target name:
Stimulant Medications (e.g., Amphetamine, Methylphenidate)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Both L-Tyrosine and stimulant medications increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Combining them may potentiate the effects of the stimulant, potentially leading to overstimulation, anxiety, or increased blood pressure.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and under medical supervision; start with a very low dose of L-Tyrosine if combining.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal (especially high-protein)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
2
Description:
The amino acids in food, particularly protein, compete with L-Tyrosine for absorption and transport to the brain. This competition can blunt its specific effects on neurotransmitter synthesis.
Actionable advice:
For best results, take L-Tyrosine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Target id:
/class/amino-acids
Target name:
Other Large Neutral Amino Acids (e.g., Tryptophan, BCAAs)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
1
Description:
L-Tyrosine competes with other large neutral amino acids (LNAAs) like tryptophan and branched-chain amino acids for absorption in the gut and transport across the blood-brain barrier, reducing the effectiveness of both if taken together.
Actionable advice:
Take L-Tyrosine separately from other single amino acid supplements by at least 1 hour.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The safety of L-Tyrosine supplementation during pregnancy has not been established through clinical research.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using L-Tyrosine during pregnancy due to a lack of safety data.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The safety of L-Tyrosine supplementation while breastfeeding has not been established, and it is unknown if it passes into breast milk.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using L-Tyrosine while breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data.
Target id:
/intervention/vitamin-b6
Target name:
Vitamin B6 (especially P-5-P)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Vitamin B6 is a crucial cofactor for the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, which converts L-DOPA (made from tyrosine) into dopamine. A deficiency can limit L-Tyrosine's effectiveness.
Actionable advice:
Ensure adequate Vitamin B6 intake for L-Tyrosine to be effective.
Target id:
/intervention/vitamin_c_systemic_healthspan
Target name:
Vitamin C
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Vitamin C is a required cofactor for the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase, which converts dopamine into norepinephrine. A deficiency can limit this conversion.
Actionable advice:
Ensure adequate Vitamin C intake for L-Tyrosine to effectively support norepinephrine production.
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
4
Hours after target:
null
Description:
L-Tyrosine is a precursor to stimulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which could potentially interfere with sleep onset or quality if taken too close to bedtime.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking L-Tyrosine within 4 hours of your intended bedtime.
Target id:
/condition/melanoma-history
Target name:
History of Melanoma
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
L-Tyrosine is a precursor to melanin, the pigment produced in melanoma cells. There is a theoretical, though unproven, concern that high-dose supplementation could stimulate the growth of melanoma cells.
Actionable advice:
Consult your oncologist before using L-Tyrosine if you have a personal or strong family history of melanoma.
Target id:
/intervention/exercise
Target name:
Cognitively Demanding Exercise or Stressful Tasks
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
0.5
Description:
During acute stress (like intense exercise or complex cognitive tasks), L-Tyrosine may help replenish depleted catecholamine levels, potentially supporting cognitive function and focus.
Actionable advice:
Consider taking L-Tyrosine 30-60 minutes before a mentally or physically demanding event.
Target id:
/intervention/copper-supplement
Target name:
Copper
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Copper is a mineral cofactor for the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase, which is responsible for converting dopamine into norepinephrine. Severe deficiency could impair this pathway.
Actionable advice:
Ensure adequate dietary copper intake, as deficiency could limit the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine.