Can L-Tyrosine Help ADHD Symptoms?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a very common neurodevelopmental condition. However, it is often misunderstood. ADHD can come with symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. There are three presentations or types of ADHD, which include primarily inattentive ADHD, primarily hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, and ADHD with a combined presentation. 

L-Tyrosine is a form of the amino acid, tyrosine. Many believe L-Tyrosine supplementation can help with ADHD symptoms due to the role it plays in dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that are essential for focus and concentration.

This article will walk through L-Tyrosine if it can help ADHD, the benefits, risks, and side effects. 

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What Is L-Tyrosine?

L-Tyrosine is an amino acid. The body produces L-Tyrosine naturally, and it is important for a number of reasons. Alongside other benefits, L-Tyrosine supports the production of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine by providing the building blocks to create these neurotransmitters. The connection between ADHD and dopamine is part of why some individuals consider using L-Tyrosine to as a natural way to address ADHD symptoms. 

How Do You Get L-Tyrosine?

You can get Tyrosine from food, or you can take an L-Tyrosine supplement. 

Foods with L-Tyrosine

Foods that contain dietary Tyrosine include: 

• Soybeans and soy products, such as soy milk or tofu
• Dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt
• Meat, including beef, pork, lamb, fish, and chicken
• Whole grains, including wild rice and oats
• Seeds, including pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds
• Beans and legumes
• Nuts 
• Eggs 

Many of these foods are easy to come by and might be a standard part of a person’s diet. Good nutrition is positive for anyone and can be advantageous for people who live with ADHD. A clean diet for ADHD children can make a noticeable difference with symptoms.

Supplements

L-Tyrosine supplements are sold over the counter. You may be able to find them in a supermarket, health food store, or supplement shop. The price of these supplements may vary based on location, brand, how much of the supplement a bottle contains, and other factors.

There are L-Tyrosine supplements that are marketed toward kids, as well as those that are marketed toward individuals over the age of 18. Often, you will see L-Tyrosine supplements for children in the form of chewable tablets or drops.

That said, although foods containing amino acids like L-Tyrosine will typically be safe for kids, save for cases of allergies or any other known reactions in individuals, we do not actually know if a medical dose of L-Tyrosine is safe for children. 

Can L-Tyrosine Help ADHD Symptoms?

Albeit limited, there has been some research on L-Tyrosine supplementation for ADHD symptoms. 

First, research confirms that ADHD is not linked to a lack of Tyrosine in children. However, with the benefits and functionality of this amino acid in mind.

One study, which looked at a small sample of 12 adults with ADHD, found that although 8 out of the 12 individuals involved experienced symptom improvement at the two-week mark, they developed a tolerance at the six-week mark. Researchers concluded that L-Tyrosine is not an effective treatment for those who live with ADHD.

On the other hand, a larger, more recent study looking at a group of 85 individuals between the ages of 4 and 18 found that amino acid precursors of serotonin and dopamine alone, including L-Tyrosine, reduced ADHD symptoms in 67% of participants. The conclusion of this study was that, while further research is required, amino acids like L-Tyrosine may be a valuable approach to ADHD treatment. 

Essentially, L-Tyrosine is not considered a treatment for ADHD at this time. While they may be beneficial for some individuals, these supplements should not replace medications prescribed by your child’s physician. 

Benefits

Additional research on L-Tyrosine has found a number of possible benefits. One notable benefit of taking L-Tyrosine includes a boost in cognitive function; some studies link L-Tyrosine to an increase in short-term cognitive function, especially during situations that are stressful or demanding. However, studies that show benefits like a boost in cognitive function are not always conducted on individuals who live with ADHD exclusively, which is something to keep in mind. 

As something that occurs naturally in the body, L-Tyrosine is involved in the production of thyroid hormones and melanin. Researchers have also explored possible benefits that relate to mood and athletic performance, though studies are limited in both of these areas. Most people don’t need to take L-Tyrosine supplements to get enough of it, as it’s something our bodies regulate naturally. 

For many people who consider L-Tyrosine for themselves or their child, the allure is the possibility of moving away from the side effects of ADHD medication, and possibly, the accessibility of L-Tyrosine supplements, but possible side effects and risks associated with any supplement must be acknowledged. 

Side Effects and Risks

Some people assume that, if something occurs naturally or can be purchased over the counter, it will not come with side effects or risks. However, that is not at all true in the case of many dietary supplements and other over the counter products.

Dietary supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, and the information about possible side effects or risks might be lesser discussed or available. Foods containing L-Tyrosine are generally seen as safe, safe for cases such as those where an individual has an allergy to that particular food or is otherwise instructed to avoid it by a medical professional. 

Here’s what we know about the side effects and risks associated with L-Tyrosine supplements specifically.

Side Effects

Side effects most commonly associated with L-Tyrosine include: 

• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Tiredness
• Joint pain
• High blood pressure

If you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction or believe that you might be, make sure that you seek medical care immediately. 

Risks

Here are some of the possible risks of taking L-Tyrosine:

• L-Tyrosine may interact with some medications. For example, reactions can occur if L-Tyrosine is taken with MAOIs or thyroid medication.
• L-Tyrosine may not be appropriate for some individuals. For example, those with Graves’ disease and an overactive thyroid may not be able to take L-Tyrosine.
• L-Tyrosine is not approved to treat ADHD or any other medical condition. 

It is vital to discuss any natural ADHD supplement and prescribed ones if you wish to include in your or your child’s routine with a medical professional. They will be able to check for any possible medication interactions and determine whether or not it’s safe for you or your child to try. If they decide that it’s safe for your child, a professional should be able to provide you with a guideline for how much L-Tyrosine they can take.

If medications aren’t an option for an individual who lives with ADHD, there are other tools and forms of support that can help someone succeed. For kids, these might include parent training and support, behavioral therapy, apps and games, such as Joon, nutrition, routine charts or reward systems for your child, and more. Many individuals benefit from a combination of medication and other forms of treatment or care.

How Long It Takes to Work

The effects of L-Tyrosine should onset relatively quickly. More specifically, they should set in within around 30-60 minutes. Many studies on L-Tyrosine look at the short-term effects, and while future research may give us more information, we don’t know if it is safe to take L-Tyrosine supplements long-term.

As for whether or not it’s something you should try, it is vital to discuss this with your or your child’s doctor. A physician can help you make an informed decision as to whether or not it’s an option for you or your family, discuss any possible concerns you have about the use of L-Tyrosine, and help you find the right L-Tyrosine dose to purchase if you choose to add a supplement to your or your child’s routine.

This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice. Please consult with your or your child's prescribing doctor before changing, starting, or stopping a medication routine.