Elevated tyrosine may reduce male life expectancy, study suggests
A study of over 270,000 people found that higher blood levels of the amino acid tyrosine were associated with a nearly one-year shorter lifespan in men, but no significant effect in women. The researchers used both observational data and genetic analysis to reach this conclusion. Tyrosine is found in protein-rich foods and is also sold as a supplement for focus and mental performance, raising questions about its long-term effects.
The research leveraged the UK Biobank's extensive health and genetic records, combining observational data with a genetic technique called Mendelian randomization to probe causal links. This method helps rule out confounding lifestyle factors because genetic variants are assigned before birth.
Tyrosine acts as a precursor to dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and motivation. While initial data suggested both amino acids correlated with higher mortality, refined analysis isolated the effect to tyrosine in men, cutting predicted lifespan by nearly a year.
The findings could influence men who regularly take tyrosine supplements for cognitive enhancement or consume high-protein diets. If future studies confirm the link, it may lead to revised dietary guidelines or supplement warnings for males. Additionally, this research may encourage scientists to investigate how sex-specific metabolic pathways affect longevity, potentially reshaping personalized health recommendations.