Common 'Focus' Amino Acid Tyrosine Linked to Shorter Lifespan in Men, Study Finds — But Effect Limited to About One Year"
A massive genetic and cohort study has uncovered an unexpected downside to tyrosine — an amino acid commonly found in protein foods and sold as a popular brain supplement for enhanced concentration and mood. Published in Aging and drawing from data on over 270,000 people, the research indicates that higher circulating tyrosine levels are associated with reduced life expectancy specifically in men, potentially shortening lifespan by nearly one year. Tyrosine is a building block for key neurotransmitters like dopamine, which is why it's a staple in many nootropic formulas marketed for better focus, motivation, and cognitive performance. While naturally occurring in foods like dairy, meat, nuts, and eggs, supplemental forms are widely available over-the-counter. Led by researchers from the University of Hong Kong and the University of Georgia, the study first observed links between both tyrosine and its precursor phenylalanine with higher mortality. However, advanced analysis — incl...