You might be aware of the fact that amino acids are the building blocks of protein and they help in building the functions that our body performs every day. Basically, there are 22 types of amino acids in the body that work together to make sure that our body works properly. One of those 22 amino acids is an important amino acid called n-acetyl l-tyrosine or acetyl tyrosine. It is naturally formed in a body with the help of another amino acid called l-phenylalanine.
N-acetyl l-tyrosine, which is commonly known as NALT is actually a modified version of the amino acid named l-tyrosine with acetic acid as an added active compound. This is more effective than the tyrosine because it is easily absorbable by the body and it has increased bioavailability. Studies suggest that providing more bioavailable L-tyrosine helps to support various functions in the body. These include the cognitive enhancement (especially during acute stressors like cold), increasing working memory, reducing stress, and promoting general wellbeing.
There are many other important benefits of NALT that you must know about. Here is a list of the benefits of n-acetyl l-tyrosine:
Better absorption
N-acetyl l-tyrosine is quickly absorbed by the human body and has better bioavailability than L-tyrosine supplements, so less of it is lost through the excretion system of the body. In addition, you can take smaller doses of NALT to attain the same effects of what you get with a larger dose of L-tyrosine. This is helpful because large doses of L-tyrosine can cause irritability, anxiety, restlessness, and abnormal heart rhythms.
Neurotransmitter Production
You might be intrigued to know that most neurotransmitters that are present in the brain are made from amino acids. L-tyrosine, being an amino acid is important for the formation of dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are important for regulating behavior and mood. Studies show that NALT supplements also can enhance mental alertness. In addition, they may also provide benefits to people with ADHD. However, the effects appear to last only a couple of weeks.
Alertness After Sleep Deprivation
Tyrosine supplements may improve mental function and memory while reducing fatigue. Especially for people who are insomniacs or sleep-deprived. It is believed that NALT supplements of 10 to 15 g can help in increasing the alertness for about two hours. Also, NALT has the ability to promote communication among the neurons which makes them more alert to their surroundings and help you stay alert and energetic even when you don’t have a good sleep.
Performance Under Stress
Studies of NALT supplements have shown that they help in improving cognitive performance and memory in people, even when they experience psychological stress. This is why NALT is also known as an anti-stress supplement. Generally, human brain cells are overloaded with free-radicals and toxins. When these toxins and free-radicals are not flushed out of the cell, a process of oxidation takes place. This is capable of causing stress, and this is what we call oxidative stress. L-tyrosine is capable of preventing the process of oxidation from occurring by fighting the free radicals and toxins.