N-acetyl-L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that can be used to boost the concentration of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. It does so safely, so that patients can avoid the risk of side-effects from taking L-dopa, a dopamine precursor commonly offered as treatment. Such side-effects include arrhythmia, hair loss, anxiety, confusion, nausea and any others.  Some side effects can be more serious, and in one 1980s trial it was found that 3 years of treatment with L-tyrosine resulted in better results in some patients than L-dopa treatment, or treatment other similar dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine and piribedil.

It has been found that L-tyrosine can alleviate up to 70% of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The disease is caused by insufficient dopamine available in the brain, and L-tyrosine is responsible for the production of dopamine, so the theoretical connection between the two is sound.  It should follow that an increased concentration of the amino acid should reduce the incidence of Parkinson’s, and N-acetyl-L-tyrosine is a highly bioavailable form of tyrosine.

That is not the whole story, however, and while an increase in the availability of L-tyrosine will help, the presence of two enzymes (organic catalysts) and three coenzymes are also essential for the entire biosyntheses of dopamine from L-tyrosine to take place. Nevertheless, there is evidence that making more of the amino acid available definitely helps.

N-acetyl-l-tyrosine is a wonderful amino acid for mental and physical health.  Look for this wonderful supplement at your local or internet health food store to find a good quality name brand like Source Naturals to buy.