Tyrosine is a semi-essential amino acid that plays a role in many biological processes. It has applications in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and infant nutrition. BCF Life Sciences, a pioneer in the valorization of amino acids since 1986, excels in the extraction and purification of L-tyrosine from feathers. This approach not only maximizes the use of natural resources, but also ensures optimum purity for a variety of applications.
In this article, discover the many benefits of tyrosine, its applications and sources!
What is tyrosine?
Tyrosine, a semi-essential amino acid
Tyrosine is an amino acid involved in human health. It is the precursor of certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and epinephrine (sometimes called adrenaline), hence its role in cognitive function and mental well-being.
Of the three categories of amino acids, tyrosine is one of the semi-essential ones. In some cases, it is essential, notably for people affected by phenylketonuria, a genetic disease.
Essential in cases of phenylketonuria
Produced from phenylalanine, tyrosine becomes essential for individuals suffering from phenylketonuria, a genetic disorder affecting protein metabolism. As a result of this disorder, these people cannot transform phenylalanine into tyrosine, making it necessary to supply it through the diet or dietary supplements.
Find out more about tyrosine’s other functionalities in the rest of this article!
Tyrosine applications
Tyrosine for cognitive function and mental well-being
Tyrosine is involved in the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and epinephrine, essential for mood regulation, stress response and concentration [1].
It therefore plays a role not only in optimizing cognitive functions, but also in mental and emotional well-being.
Skin and hair pigmentation
As a precursor of melanin, tyrosine contributes to skin pigmentation. However, melanin is not only involved in skin coloring, but also in hair coloring.
In both skin and hair, melanin is produced by melanocytes.
| 💡 Did you know ?
Among the different types of melanin, eumelanin is responsible for dark hair, while pheomelanin is responsible for light hair. |
Over time, melanocytes become less active and eventually die. This contributes to a progressive loss of hair pigmentation, which turns white after a certain age.
Tyrosine helps to prevent the appearance of white hair through its action on melanin synthesis.
Tyrosine: a multi-functional amino acid
Tyrosine’s benefits don’t stop at cognitive function, stress management and skin pigmentation. In fact, this amino acid is used in numerous formulations for various sectors…
- Tyrosine can be used in the treatment of post-partum depression because of its crucial role in neurotransmitter production. Typically, after childbirth, women are more subject to stress, fatigue and mood swings. Thus, tyrosine helps support the production of neurotransmitters that are essential for managing stress and maintaining emotional balance.
- In infant nutrition at BCF Life Sciences, we offer L-Cystine and L-Tyrosine, which guarantee a balanced free amino acid profile in hypoallergenic milks. Find out more about cystine !
- Tyrosine plays a role in weight management, mainly through its influence on metabolism, appetite and energy expenditure.
| 💡 Did tou know ?
Tyrosine is the precursor of thyroxine, a thyroid hormone that influences metabolism [2]. |
- Neurotransmitters have an impact on fatigue and mental and physical health. As a result, tyrosine is also used in the composition of finished sports nutrition products.
But where can you find this amino acid? Find out which foods and products contain it in the following article!
Tyrosine sources
Tyrosine is found naturally in certain foods. It is found in foods rich in animal proteins such as eggs, meat and fish, in certain dairy products such as cheese, but also in foods rich in vegetable proteins such as legumes and oilseeds.
This amino acid can also be supplied by nutraceuticals. At BCF Life Sciences, we offer L-Tyrosine for use in a wide range of dietary supplements!
To sum up, tyrosine is a semi-essential amino acid with multiple benefits. This amino acid helps support cognitive function and mental well-being, including stress management. As a precursor of melanin, tyrosine contributes to skin and hair pigmentation. This versatile amino acid is also used in infant nutrition, women’s health, sports nutrition and weight management products.
How about putting tyrosine at the heart of your product formulations?
Production site of BCF Life Sciences, specialists in tyrosine extraction and purification since 1986
SOURCES :
[1] Hase A, Jung SE, aan het Rot M. Behavioral and cognitive effects of tyrosine intake in healthy human adults, 2015
[2] AFSSA. Apport en protéines : consommation, qualité, besoins et recommandations, 2007
