What is the difference between l-tyrosine and n-acetyl tyrosine

In this short article we are going to explain what is the difference between L-tyrosine and N-acetyl tyrosine.

What is Tyrosine?

Tyrosine plays an important role in the production of neurotransmitters in our body, dopamine and norepinephrine.

L-Tyrosine is a naturally occurring, non-essential amino acid, which means that our body creates it on its own, and in the amount it needs naturally, through the synthesis of it from other ingested amino acids. More specifically, it is developed through phenylalanine present in our body.

The name “Tyrosine” also refers to another factor in our body, which transmits pigments for our skin.

Tyrosine is found in many dietary sources, including so-called “lean proteins” such as those found in chicken, eggs, fish, whole grain oats, and various dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.

For a more comprehensive article on tyrosine click here 👉 What is Tyrosine? Food Sources, Health Benefits, Side Effects

What is the difference between l-tyrosine and n-acetyl tyrosine?

There is more than one form of Tyrosine as an amino acid. The most common localized forms are L-Tyrosine and N-acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT).

Various studies have been done over the years, stating different opinions on which form of Tyrosine is the best, with many experts stating that N-acetyl L-Tyrosine provides a greater level of bioavailability due to the superior water-solubility of this form.

Bioavailability has to do with the amount of a substance entering the bloodstream and the degree of its active effect.

In short, 100% bioavailability would mean that the entire amount of a substance as soon as it enters our body’s bloodstream has 100% active effect on our body.

But on the other hand, other researches claim that the higher water-solubility of N-acetyl L-Tyrosine, does not mean that it has a better level of bioavailability and the whole situation is somewhat confusing.

N-acetyl L-Tyrosine is the acetylated form of Tyrosine, which means that this particular amino acid binds to an acetyl group.

This acetyl group must be removed in order for this particular amino acid to have an active effect on our body.

Whenever to achieve this, we need an extra processing step so that this amino acid can be broken down into Tyrosine (indicating the not-so-good bioavailability that other research claims).

Essentially, the real difference between N-acetyl L-Tyrosine and L-Tyrosine is their structure alone. However, a recent study has revealed that ultimately our body is not willing to convert N-acetyl L-Tyrosine to Tyrosine – and most of its intake is eliminated through urine.

KEY TAKEAWAY
N-acetyl L-Tyrosine is the acetylated form of Tyrosine, which means that this particular amino acid binds to an acetyl group. Many experts stating that N-acetyl L-Tyrosine provides a greater level of bioavailability due to the superior water-solubility of this form

Health Benefits of Tyrosine

L-Tyrosine can help us to manage our stress levels and function properly even when we suffer from severe stress. This is because Tyrosine is a substance that contributes to the secretion of norepinephrine. Stress reduces norepinephrine levels in the brain, so L-Tyrosine may indirectly contribute to the stability of these levels.

Read Also: 8 Healthy Herbs That Relieve Stress Backed by Science

L-Tyrosine supplements can adequately replenish, some of the resources the brain uses to increase memory, during any task. They also help to increase dopamine levels in our brain.

Research reveals that L-Tyrosine supplements can help treat melancholy and various seasonal affective disorders, reducing the side effects resulting from cold and low oxygen levels.

In addition, L-Tyrosine is considered a building block of thyroid-specific hormones, where these hormones control energy production in our body.

There is also evidence that L-Tyrosine, also helps people suffering from attention deficit disorders, and low levels of L-Tyrosine have been linked to damage to various organs in our body, such as the liver.

Final Take

So, in few words the difference between the difference between l-tyrosine and n-acetyl tyrosine is whether one form is more bioavailable that the other.

Supplementing either with L-tyrosine or N-acetyl Tyrosine is not something you should be bothered about anyway.

If you are going to supplement yourself, don’t get in trouble trying to figure out which tyrosine supplement you should take.

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