Popular brain supplement linked to shorter lifespan in men

Key Points:

• Research from the University of Hong Kong and the University of Georgia indicates that higher blood levels of the amino acid tyrosine may be linked to shorter lifespans in men, with nearly a year reduced, while women show no such association.
• The study analyzed health and genetic data from over 270,000 UK Biobank participants and used Mendelian randomization to explore causal relationships between tyrosine, phenylalanine, and longevity.
• Tyrosine, involved in producing brain chemicals like dopamine and adrenaline, may influence lifespan through mechanisms related to insulin resistance and stress response, which could differ between men and women.
• Phenylalanine showed no significant impact on lifespan after accounting for tyrosine levels, and the researchers caution that their findings do not prove that tyrosine supplementation shortens life.
• While tyrosine supplements are known to enhance cognitive function and focus, individuals with high blood tyrosine might consider dietary adjustments to reduce intake from tyrosine-rich foods such as poultry, beef, fish, eggs, and soy.