N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine

Is chronic stress giving you brain fog? If you’re overdoing it with work, juggling too many tasks and not getting enough rest, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine is a supplement that may be perfect for you. It helps restore the brain chemicals -- and brainpower -- that are depleted by a stressed-out lifestyle.

As it counteracts some of the negative effects of stress, this nootropic (brain-boosting) amino acid enhances multitasking, memory and many other aspects of cognition. Especially under challenging or distracting circumstances.

This article gives you all the details on N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine. 

We talk about what it is, how it works, how it differs from L-Tyrosine and more. We suggest potential benefits and cite supportive research.

And finally, we suggest four high quality supplements that deliver the best L-Tyrosine benefits: Mind Lab Pro®, Performance Lab Mind®, Performance Lab® Caffeine+, and Pre Lab Pro®. Let's get to it!

What is N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine?

N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT) is a special form of the amino acid L-Tyrosine. It is a master precursor (building block) amino acid used to make brain chemicals involved in memory, mood and mental processing.

Tyrosine is especially associated with a class of brain chemicals called catecholamines, which include dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Due to its role in catecholamine synthesis, this amino acid is considered one of the top nootropics for optimal brain function and overall cognitive health.

N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine Benefits Summary

• One of the building blocks for cognition-critical brain chemicals

• Helps to restore brain chemicals that are depleted by stress

• Enhances working memory under multitasking conditions

• Optimizes brainpower during chaos, poor sleep, cold and environmental stress

• A top pick for promoting physical and mental performance

• Mostly found in brain supplements and sports nutrition formulas

Experience a Scientifically Proven Brain Supplement

Mind Lab Pro® is the world's most effective brain supplement. It is scientifically proven to enhance brainpower.(1,2)

• Clarity, focus and speed of thought

• 100% safe, clean, plant-based

• Enhances work, study and play

• 175 mg L-Tyrosine (as NALT) per serving

• 30 day money back guarantee

GET THE BEST MIND LAB PRO DEAL NOW

How does N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine work?

Stress drains brainpower. Part of the reason why: Acute stress and generally stressful circumstances deplete catecholamine brain chemicals along with the tyrosine that is required to make more.(3,4)

Low catecholamine levels make the brain even more vulnerable to the negative effects of stress, which only drives brain chemicals down further.

It's a vicious cycle that can significantly limit your cognitive flexibility, especially if you need to stay sharp under stressful conditions.

• Did you know? Low catecholamine brain chemicals are associated with brain degeneration, cognitive decline and attention problems.(5,6)

As a brain supplement, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine may help reverse stress-induced catecholamine neurotransmitter depletion. It may replace mental burnout with sharp mental performance under stress, multitasking, sleep deprivation and other challenging conditions.(7)

Animal research has suggested L-Tyrosine supplementation blocks the depletion of catecholamine neurotransmitters that usually occurs under stressful conditions.(8)

Further research has also supported the theory that L-tyrosine promotes healthy levels of catecholamines, especially the dopamine that is needed for focus, memory and cognition.(9)

Of all the other amino acids, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine is by far the most effective for countering the negative cognitive effects of stressful situations.

Research has shown Tyrosine supplementation helps to promote:

• Memory function and learning speed during cold exposure (cold water immersion)(10)

• Enhanced mental performance during loud 90 decibel noise exposure(11)

• Working memory: may improve memory during demanding multitasking activities(12)

• Cognitive performance and mood during extended wakefulness(13)

While its nootropic effects may center on dynamic mental processing under stress, NALT's far-reaching support for brain chemicals expands to support other aspects of cognition across all populations.

For example, beyond its potential to improve mental performance, L-Tyrosine's beneficial effects may also support brain health.

L-Tyrosine has been shown in animal studies to help suppress the production of stress hormones in the brain, which researchers have suggested may shield the brain from the adverse effects of stress.(14)

NALT FAQ

N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine vs. L-Tyrosine: What's the Difference?

N acetyl tyrosine is the preferred, more soluble form of L-tyrosine. Both are building blocks for brain chemicals. The acetylated form (NALT) delivers the same benefits, but may have better absorption.

To read more details about how NALT differs from the standard L-Tyrosine form, check out our full article on the topic here.

What is N-acetyl tyrosine used for?

In this article, we focus on NALT's use in brain supplements. But that's just area of health where this amino acid is possibly effective. Some other uses include:

• Weight loss: Tyrosine may promote the brain chemicals and metabolism that supports weight loss; however the research for this use is early, and it may be possibly ineffective. Read more on L-tyrosine for weight loss here.

• Thyroid health: In addition to brain chemicals, L-Tyrosine is required to make thyroid hormones in humans. Specifically, the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3). These vital compounds for overall wellness are made by tyrosine interacting with iodine.(15)

• Sports nutrition: Amino acids are popular for sports, and NALT is no exception. It can be taken before training to boost strength and bolster resistance to fatigue. Its nootropic benefits may also have stimulating, mind-sharpening effects that help with workout intensity.

• Adult parenteral nutrition: N acetyltyrosine is sometimes administered by doctors as an intravenous infusion, often with amino acids and other vital compounds, in health-compromised people with digestive problems. The NALT form is used in these cases because it has improved solubility over plain tyrosine.(16)

Are there N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine side effects?

Tyrosine is generally well tolerated. However, as with any supplement, some individuals may experience sensitivities. Some rarely reported side effects associated with tyrosine supplementation include gastric distress, including nausea and heartburn; feelings of tiredness, and headaches.

How long does it take L-Tyrosine to work?

The answer to this question depends on the dosage and intent. For example, as a pre-workout supplement, it can be taken as soon as 30 minutes before your session to deliver beneficial effects. Other positive effects that support cognition and maintain mental health may be noticed after several weeks of supplementation.

Best N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine Supplement: Mind Lab Pro®

If you are looking for a brain supplement that includes L-Tyrosine, consider Mind Lab Pro®: A powerful nootropic formula that supplies this amino acid in the preferred NALT form.

Because it is formulated to optimize the whole brain, Mind Lab Pro® can support:

• Memory of all kinds: short-term, long-range, recall, learning

• Focus, concentration and attention

• Mood balance, mental health and stress resistance

• Motivation and inner drive

• Mental clarity and fast processing speed

• Mental energy without caffeine or any other stimulant

• Multitasking and cognitive performance under pressure

• Healthy brain structure and overall healthy brain function

Mind Lab Pro®'s 11 ingredients include:

• Citicoline 250 mg

• Phosphatidylserine, 100 mg (Sharp-PS® Green)

• Bacopa monnieri, 150 mg (as full spectrum extract, 24% bacosides, 9 bioactives)

• Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom, 500 mg

• Rhodiola rosea, 50 mg (3% rosavins, 1% salidrosides)

• L-Theanine, 100 mg (Suntheanine®)

• N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine dosage at 175 mg

• Maritime Pine Bark Extract, 75 mg (95% proanthocyanidins)

• Vitamins B6 2.5 mg, B9 100 mcg, B12 7.5 mcg (NutriGenesis®)

Mind Lab Pro® is Backed By Research.

Mind Lab Pro® is one of the only brain supplement brands backed by rigorous clinical human trials.

In this research, Mind Lab Pro® improved several key markers of cognitive performance.

1. In one study, researchers reported that subjects taking Mind Lab Pro for 30 days experienced significant improvements (when compared to those taking placebo) in performing information processing tasks involving simple reaction time (SRT), choice reaction time (CRT) and anticipation.(1)

2. A second study found that subjects taking Mind Lab Pro demonstrated significant improvements across all memory functions that were tested, including auditory, visual, visual working, immediate and delayed recall memory.(2)

This unique formula's industry-leading quality standards allow each capsule to boost cognition and promote brain health without unwanted effects.

Mind Lab Pro® Stack Strategy: N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine + Rhodiola Rosea for Brainpower Under Pressure

L-Tyrosine's brain-boosting activity has been shown to be more pronounced during high-intensity cognitive tasks than relaxed cognitive tasks.(17)

Rhodiola rosea's adaptogen activity helps regulate stress responses to maintain clear, fast mental processing during pressure-filled situations.

• Mind Lab Pro®, N-Acteyl L-Tyrosine and Rhodiola rosea supply complementary support for superior cognitive function under demanding, distracting and stressful scenarios -- forming a powerful nootropic duo for dynamic, competitive and high-performance individuals.

GET THE BEST MIND LAB PRO DEAL NOW

Additional Top Brain Supplements with L-Tyrosine

The makers of Mind Lab Pro® nootropic stack supplement also make the Performance Lab® line, which includes additional high-quality supplements that feature L-Tyrosine:

Performance Lab® Mind

This brain supplement is similar to Mind Lab Pro, but more streamlined to enable higher doses of 4 key nootropics for sharp brain function: Citicoline, Phosphatidylserine (PS), maritime pine bark extract, and of course the amino acid L-Tyrosine (dosage of 250 mg).

Mind uses L-Tyrosine for its potential to help mental processing, memory, and overall cognitive performance under stressful conditions including sleep deprivation, distraction and multitasking.

The formula as a whole is designed as a daily brain supplement to support:

• focus
• clarity
• memory
• mood
• long-range brain health

Performance Lab® Mind features the Ajipure® brand of L-Tyrosine, which uses patented, eco-friendly Ferment-A-Pure technology to turn non-GMO and gluten free vegetable-derived carbohydrates into clean, bioavailable amino acids.

Learn more about Performance Lab® Mind

Performance Lab® Caffeine +

This is not your typical clumsy caffeine pill. Instead, Performance Lab® Mind's ultramodern formulation combines low-dose caffeine with NutriGenesis® B-vitamins and two nootropic amino acids: Suntheanine® L-Theanine and Ajipure® L-Tyrosine (250 mg).

The result is a more sophisticated state of stimulation. Calmer, cleaner feelings of energy and alertness.

And unlike other caffeine pills, Caffeine+ helps to restore what caffeine takes away. This may help you to accelerate recovery after those intense brainpower or training sessions, strengthening your ability to bounce back fast.

Learn more about Performance Lab® Caffeine +

Pre Lab Pro®

Pre Lab Pro is a nootropic pre-workout formula that includes 400 mg of L-Tyrosine. It also supplies L-Theanine, caffeine, NutriGenesis® B-vitamins, Setria® Performance Blend and Himalayan Pink Salt.

L-Tyrosine is shown to improve performance and focus under stressful, chaotic conditions... just like the gym. In other words, L-Tyrosine is a great nootropic for pre-workout supplements.

In this formula, Tyrosine is used to not only enhance performance, but also to restore tyrosine levels and maintain the brain chemicals that are depleted by intense training and caffeine.

Overall this pre-workout formula works to intensify your athletic performance with a combination of smart stimulation and a big Nitric Oxide boost that increases muscle blood flow.

At the same time, it helps maintain balance in body and mind, so you can perform better and stay healthier while you train.

Pre Lab Pro is the best pre-workout supplement on the market that features L-Tyrosine in its formula.

Learn more about Pre Lab Pro®

Conclusion

L-Tyrosine as high-quality N-acetyl l tyrosine is just one reason why the brain supplement Mind Lab Pro® is the top choice for boosting brainpower.

If you're in a lot of stressful situations that are cognitively demanding, then you'll want a steady supply of tyrosine to top off your brain chemical stores.

To get NALT benefits and more, consider Mind Lab Pro. It supports far-reaching benefits for focus, learning, memory performance, relaxation, stress resistance, brain health and more, it is the only nootropic supplement you will ever need.

Scientific references

1. Utley A, Gonzalez Y, Imboden CA. The Efficacy of A Nootropic Supplement on Information Processing in Adults: A Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Study. Biomed J Sci & Tech Res 49(1)-2023.
   BJSTR. MS.ID.007746

2. Abbott-Imboden C., Gonzalez Y., Utley A. (2023). Efficacy of the nootropic supplement Mind Lab Pro on memory in adults: Double blind, placebo-controlled study. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, e2872. https://doi.org/10.1002/hup.2872

3. http://www.macses.ucsf.edu/research/allostatic/catecholamine.php

4. Harris R. Lieberman, et al. The catecholamine neurotransmitter precursor tyrosine increases anger during exposure to severe psychological stress. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2015; 232(5): 943–951.

5. Liu L, et al. Simultaneous determination of catecholamines and their metabolites related to Alzheimer's disease in human urine. J Sep Sci. 2011 May;34(10):1198-204.

6. Spivak B, et al. Circulatory levels of catecholamines, serotonin and lipids in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1999 Apr;99(4):300-4.

7. Jongkees BJ, et al. Effect of tyrosine supplementation on clinical and healthy populations under stress or cognitive demands--A review. J Psychiatr Res. 2015 Nov;70:50-7.

8. Lieberman H. Tyrosine and Stress: Human and Animal Studies. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Military Nutrition Research; Marriott BM, editor. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1994.

9. Jongkees BJ, et al. People are different: tyrosine's modulating effect on cognitive control in healthy humans may depend on individual differences related to dopamine function. Front Psychol. 2014; 5: 1101.

10. Mahoney CR, et al. Tyrosine supplementation mitigates working memory decrements during cold exposure. Physiol Behav. 2007 Nov 23;92(4):575-82. Epub 2007 May 22

11. Deijen JB1, Orlebeke JF.Effect of tyrosine on cognitive function and blood pressure under stress. Brain Res Bull. 1994;33(3):319-23

12. Thomas JR, et al.Tyrosine improves working memory in a multitasking environment.Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1999 Nov;64(3):495-500.

13. Neri DF, et al.The effects of tyrosine on cognitive performance during extended wakefulness.Aviat Space Environ Med. 1995 Apr;66(4):313-9.

14. Reinstein DK, Lehnert H, Wurtman RJ. Dietary tyrosine suppresses the rise in plasma corticosterone following acute stress in rats. Life Sci. 1985 Dec 9;37(23):2157-63

15. Khaliq W, Andreis DT, Kleyman A, Gräler M, Singer M. Reductions in tyrosine levels are associated with thyroid hormone and catecholamine disturbances in sepsis. Intensive Care Med Exp. 2015 Oct 1;3(Suppl 1):A686. doi: 10.1186/2197-425X-3-S1-A686. PMCID: PMC4798095.

16. Im HA, Meyer PD, Stegink LD. N-acetyl-L-tyrosine as a tyrosine source during total parenteral nutrition in adult rats. Pediatr Res. 1985 Jun;19(6):514-8. doi: 10.1203/00006450-198506000-00002. PMID: 3925425.

17. Lorenza S. Colzato, et al. Working Memory Reloaded: Tyrosine Repletes Updating in the N-Back Task. Front Behav Neurosci. 2013; 7: 200