L-Tyrosine, GABA and
Other Amino Acids to Treat ADHD

Why do I keep seeing L-Tyrosine pop up in articles about naturally treating ADD/ADHD?

That’s because L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that plays a significant role in the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow transmission of signals from one neuron to the next across synapses. They are like chemical messengers of sorts.

Does that sound too scientific? Well just know that neurotransmitters are a necessary part of proper brain functioning. They affect behavior and learning and it has been found that most people with ADD /ADHD were born with a shortage of neurotransmitters. They simply don’t manufacture enough. But some say there is a way to turn this around.

Neurotransmitters are made from dietary protein and amino acids like tyrosine, GABA, glycine, taurine, tyrosine, glutamine and tryptophan which we get from the foods that we eat. Feeding the brain with healthy proteins can increase the production of neurotransmitters and therefore reduce the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

Tyrosine is often called the “stress amino acid”. It plays a big role in helping the body cope with the natural stores of adrenaline. During periods of high stress, the body starts to use up tyrosine. Without it, the body can’t manufacture certain neurotransmitters. Since Tyrosine is the precursor of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine which regulate moods, a lack of adequate amounts of L-tyrosine can lead to a deficiency of norepinephrine at a specific location in the brain, which can result in depression. Tyrosine also allows for the smooth transition from thought to disciplined behavior, which is the challenge for many with ADHD. Without tyrosine, ADHD symptoms are heightened.

Children given tyrosine supplementation demonstrated a marked improvement in mental performance and mood stability. Doses ranging from 200 to 500 mg daily are quite common.

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