Tyrosine is the non-essential amino acid precursor for dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. Tyrosine hydroxylase converts tyrosine into the dopamine precursor L-DOPA; BH4, Vitamin D and iron are cofactors for that enzymatic activity.
Low levels:
- Low levels of tyrosine have been associated with hypothyroidism, depression and blood pressure disorders.
- If phenylalanine is normal or high (barring PKU), iron, vitamin C, and niacin supplementation might be indicated to help convert phenylalanine to tyrosine.
High levels:
- Increased tyrosine may exacerbate migraine headaches and hyperthyroid conditions.
- Elevated tyrosine levels may occur due to supplementation (phenylalanine or tyrosine), heritable enzyme defects, or liver disease.
- High levels may indicate an inability to utilize tyrosine properly, perhaps because of low levels of enzyme co-factors such as iron, copper, iodine, B6, and vitamin C.
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