From an amino acid called phenylalanine, the body is able to manufacture the nonessential amino acid L-tyrosine. Tyrosine plays a key role in the structure of nearly all of the body’s proteins, and is also the forerunner of various neurotransmitters including dopamine, L-dopa, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
Because of the effect it has on neurotransmitters (chemical messengers found within the body), L-tyrosine may prove helpful in treating a wide variety of health conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, depression, and various other mood disorders. Preliminary studies have also suggested the use of tyrosine to be effective in treating people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It is also possible that tyrosine, because it acts as a forerunner to two stress-related hormones (epinephrine and norepinephrine), may be valuable in treating people suffering from physical, psychological and environmental stresses.
Skins cells convert L-tyrosine into melanin, a dark pigment that protects the skin from ultraviolet light damage. Tyrosine is also present in the structure of thyroid hormones, which are vital to almost every course of action carried out inside the body.
by the Harvard School of Public Health
It has been asked by millions of people “If you eat a healthy diet, do you need to take vitamins?” Not very long ago, the common answer from most experts and professionals would have been an emphatic "no". However, today there's quite a bit of evidence that taking a daily multivitamin makes good sense for most adults.
by the Mayoclinic Staff
Given the popularity and availability of “high potency” amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and herbs, it might seem like dietary supplements could replace food as a source of the nutrients the body requires. However, this is not the case.
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