Decreasing tyrosine levels may impact your longevity

The latest research tested the relationship between two amino acids, phenylalanine and tyrosine, and lifespan using data from over 270,000 adults and analysis of genes. Since there was insufficient proof regarding phenylalanine, they found that higher tyrosine levels were often linked to shorter lifespans. ^[1].

High-protein foods may contain the amino acid tyrosine. It is an amino acid used for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which affect your mood and cognitive functions.

Phenylalanine and tyrosine originally showed to be linked to a higher chance of death in traditional statistical models that considered many health and lifestyle factors. But only tyrosine remained a major indicator of a shorter life when the researchers additionally adjusted for both.

This conclusion was supported by genetic analyses, which showed that while genetically predicted phenylalanine levels had little impact once tyrosine was taken into account, people whose genetics demonstrated higher tyrosine levels appeared to have shorter lifespans.

Why It Matters

Tyrosine assists multiple metabolisms and helps in the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Still, previous experiments on animals show that reducing tyrosine may help increase life, probably by impacting metabolic and growth-regulating pathways. The results of this study indicate that humans may experience the same thing.

Reducing tyrosine, especially when levels are high, should be tested as a method to extend life.

What to Keep in Mind

The study shows a connection but not a causal relationship, so it cannot prove that tyrosine directly shortens life. These amino acid levels in the blood were only measured once, so it is unclear how they potentially impact over time.

To fully understand how and why tyrosine may affect aging, and whether treatments to reduce it can be beneficial and safe for humans, it is suggested that more studies to be conducted.