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Tyrosine: Benefits and Foods High in Tyrosine

Discover Tyrosine benefits, top sources for vegans and carnivores and their Tyrosine content per 100g.

Luke Gartland avatar
Written by Luke Gartland
Updated over 10 months ago

What is Tyrosine?

Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can synthesize it from another amino acid called phenylalanine. Tyrosine is crucial for the production of several important substances, including neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, as well as hormones like thyroid hormones. It also plays a role in protein synthesis and skin pigmentation.

Benefits of Tyrosine

  • Neurotransmitter Production: Essential for the synthesis of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which are important for mood regulation, stress response, and cognitive function.

  • Thyroid Function: Involved in the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism.

  • Protein Synthesis: Important for the production and maintenance of proteins in the body.

  • Skin Pigmentation: Contributes to the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color.

Daily Recommended Value (DRV) for Tyrosine

The DRV for Tyrosine is approximately 16 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. For an average adult weighing 70 kg, the daily requirement would be:

  • 16 mg x 70 kg = 1,120 mg per day

Foods High in Tyrosine

Here are some foods rich in Tyrosine along with their approximate Tyrosine content per 100 grams and the percentage of the daily recommended value (DRV) for a 70 kg individual (1,120 mg per day).

Top Sources of Tyrosine for Carnivores

  1. Parmesan Cheese

    • Tyrosine content: 1,960 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 175%

  2. Lean Beef

    • Tyrosine content: 1,470 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 131%

  3. Chicken Breast

    • Tyrosine content: 1,400 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 125%

  4. Pork Loin

    • Tyrosine content: 1,070 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 96%

  5. Salmon

    • Tyrosine content: 1,050 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 94%

Top Sources of Tyrosine for Vegans

  1. Soy Protein Isolate

    • Tyrosine content: 3,200 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 286%

  2. Soybeans

    • Tyrosine content: 1,430 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 128%

  3. Pumpkin Seeds

    • Tyrosine content: 1,410 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 126%

  4. Quinoa

    • Tyrosine content: 740 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 66%

  5. Lentils

    • Tyrosine content: 690 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 62%

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