Popular Brain Supplement Amino Acid May Reduce Longevity in Men

Popular Brain Supplement Amino Acid May Reduce Longevity in Men

A massive study of more than 270,000 people has revealed that higher blood levels of tyrosine, a common amino acid found in protein-rich foods and popular focus-boosting supplements, are associated with shorter life expectancy in men. Researchers suggest that men with elevated tyrosine levels could live nearly one year less on average than those with lower levels, sparking questions about the long-term health effects of both diet and supplements.

The study, led by scientists from the University of Hong Kong and the University of Georgia, analyzed health, genetic, and biochemical data from participants in the UK Biobank, one of the largest population-based studies in the world. The researchers focused on tyrosine and phenylalanine, two amino acids essential to metabolism and neurotransmitter production, including dopamine, which plays a key role in mood, motivation, and cognitive performance.

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Using observational and genetic modeling techniques, the researchers found that while phenylalanine had no consistent effect on lifespan, tyrosine showed a clear and potentially causal link to reduced life expectancy in men. No similar association was observed in women, suggesting that biological and hormonal differences may influence how tyrosine affects aging in men versus women.

Scientists are still investigating why tyrosine might impact longevity. One possible explanation is insulin resistance, a risk factor for age-related diseases, which tyrosine may influence. Another theory involves stress-related neurotransmitters and hormonal pathways that may react differently in men, potentially explaining why the effect was sex-specific.

Although the study did not directly test tyrosine supplements, it raises questions about their long-term safety, particularly for men who may already have high systemic levels. Nutrition experts advise moderation and recommend monitoring protein intake. Common dietary sources of tyrosine include beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, mackerel, shrimp, lobster, eggs, dairy, soy, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

The researchers emphasized the need for further studies to confirm these findings, understand the mechanisms linking tyrosine to male longevity, and explore whether dietary or lifestyle interventions could safely reduce tyrosine levels and promote healthy aging.

Popular Brain Supplement Amino Acid May Reduce Longevity in Men