Table of Contents
A major UK study links tyrosine, a popular amino acid used for focus, to shorter lifespans in men. This raises new concerns about supplement safety.
TheDigger Intelligence Unit
An amino acid often marketed to improve focus may have a drawback: it is linked to shorter lifespans in men.
Researchers studying health data from over 270,000 people in the UK Biobank found that men with higher blood levels of tyrosine, an amino acid in protein-rich foods and sold as a “focus” supplement, had a shorter life expectancy. On average, their lifespans were nearly a year shorter.
The study, published in Ageing-US and led by scientists from the University of Hong Kong and the University of Georgia, looked at two amino acids: phenylalanine and tyrosine.
Both seemed linked to a higher risk of death at first, but only tyrosine showed a steady, possibly causal connection to shorter lifespans in men. This effect did not appear in women.
Why Tyrosine Matters
Tyrosine helps the body make neurotransmitters like dopamine, which affect mood, motivation, and thinking. Because of its reputation as a “focus enhancer,” it has become a popular supplement.
However, these results raise concerns about its long-term safety, especially for men, who usually have higher tyrosine levels.
Possible Explanation: Researchers think tyrosine’s effects might be linked to insulin resistance and stress hormones, which could impact men differently than women. Biological differences may help explain this link.
What It Means for Supplements
The study did not directly test tyrosine supplements, but the results suggest people should be careful.
Researchers say changing your diet, such as eating less protein, might help lower tyrosine levels and support healthier ageing.
This study adds to the idea that strategies for living longer may differ for men and women.
More research is needed to determine whether lowering tyrosine intake can help people live longer safely.
