Tyrosine is converted to L-DOPA by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), then to dopamine by DOPA decarboxylase. During stress, the brain rapidly depletes dopamine and norepinephrine — the rate-limiting step is TH enzyme activity, which depends on tyrosine availability. By flooding the system with extra tyrosine during high-demand periods, you prevent the substrate depletion that causes cognitive decline. In non-stressed states, TH is already saturated with tyrosine, which is why supplementation doesn't help — you're adding fuel to a tank that's already full.
Independently graded against 173,636 indexed supplements with 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.