Dopamine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates reward centers in the brain, is derived from the amino acid tyrosine. Supplements claiming to increase dopamine often contain tyrosine, which is converted to L-dopa before becoming dopamine. Tyrosine is found in many foods and is important for alertness and reward processing. A lack of tyrosine can lead to dopamine deficiency and Parkinson’s disease. Increasing dopamine levels can be achieved through physical activity and diet.
Dopamine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates reward centers in the brain of animals and humans, is derived from the amino acid tyrosine, which explains the link between tyrosine and dopamine. Most supplements that claim to increase dopamine production in the brain often contain the amino acid tyrosine, which is first converted to L-dopa before becoming the actual neurotransmitter. The conversion between tyrosine and dopamine is important, because without the neurotransmitter dopamine, a person is more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease and will have a harder time finding a rewarding life. When tyrosine and dopamine are not working properly within the brain, injections of tyrosine and dopamine are often given to help supply the brain with enough chemicals to make conversion possible.
In order for an individual to feel alert, the brain must manufacture enough neurotransmitters, namely dopamine and norepinephrine. All neurotransmitters are made during a conversion process from amino acids. Dopamine, which activates feel-good hormones that process rewards like food and love, is produced by the amino acid tyrosine. The tyrosine-dopamine connection is found in everyday nutrition, as many foods contain tyrosine, such as nuts and dairy products.
Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can produce it on its own without dietary sources, however those who suffer from a minor problem with the production of this amino acid can supplement through diet. Those who have trouble converting dopamine from tyrosine often lack the ability to feel alert and awake at many hours of the day, and will have fuzzy centers in the brain associated with rewards. This can lead to low energy and depression, and is often linked to Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is also known as dopamine deficiency.
People who suffer from a dopamine deficiency due to a lack of tyrosine, or an inability to convert to dopamine, are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This can lead to difficulty walking and uncontrolled, involuntary movements and jerking, also known as tremors. Although the best treatment for this disease is to find ways to control the symptoms, medications are sometimes prescribed to help increase dopamine within the brain. For healthy people, increasing dopamine levels can be as easy as increasing physical activity and including foods that contain high levels of tyrosine.
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