A new analysis of UK Biobank data links genetically higher tyrosine levels—a common ingredient used for cognitive and stress support—to a shorter lifespan, with men living about one year less on average. The findings revive questions about the long-term safety
For years, L-tyrosine has been a quiet staple in the stack of people chasing steadier focus and calmer stress. Now, a large new study is putting a harsher spotlight on what happens over time.
Men with genetically higher tyrosine levels—an ingredient widely used to enhance cognitive function—had a shorter lifespan, according to data analyzed from more than 250,000 people in the UK Biobank, a major health database that collects and stores medical information from volunteers.
The study, published in Aging last fall, found that men with higher tyrosine lived, on average, one year less than those with normal levels. The pattern was much less clear in women.
Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid involved in producing dopamine. adrenaline. and other brain chemicals that regulate mood. focus. and the stress response. In the study, researchers also examined phenylalanine, the raw material the body converts into tyrosine. Phenylalanine is found in protein-rich foods such as meat. eggs. dairy. beans. and soy. and it is also commonly added to dietary supplements and energy products.
To separate coincidence from cause, the researchers used Mendelian randomization, a technique that relies on genetic differences to test whether something is actually driving an outcome rather than merely showing up alongside it.
The results initially pointed in a broader direction: genetically higher phenylalanine and tyrosine both showed links to a higher risk of earlier death. But after accounting for overlapping effects between the two amino acids, only tyrosine consistently pointed toward shorter lifespan.
That sex-specific gap mattered. The study found the outcome was especially pronounced in men: higher tyrosine levels in this group were associated with a lifespan reduction of about 0.9 years. Men tend to have naturally higher levels of tyrosine than women. the study said. which may help explain why the signal looked weaker in women.
Researchers said they still don’t fully understand why tyrosine might influence lifespan, but they pointed to two possible mechanisms. One involves insulin resistance, the condition tied to diabetes and other age-related illnesses. A previous study of children linked high tyrosine levels to decreased insulin sensitivity. meaning the body had a harder time processing sugar and could face higher disease risk.
The other involves stress biology. The study suggested that adrenaline-related neurotransmitters, interacting with testosterone and estrogen, may accelerate aging by activating stress pathways in the body.
For supplement users, that tension lands right where the product marketing has been strongest. In recent years. tyrosine has been promoted for stress relief and memory support—especially through L-tyrosine. which is commonly described as helping people perform under pressure. There is also evidence behind some of the short-term claims. In one study, individuals performed better on a cognitive flexibility test after taking L-tyrosine supplements versus a placebo. Other research found memory retention improved when subjects took the supplement during mentally demanding tasks.
The study’s new findings don’t erase those immediate effects. They do, however, sharpen the question many consumers rarely get to ask: whether a short-term cognitive or stress benefit is worth a possible long-term health cost.
A large dataset can only take researchers so far. and more work is needed to understand the biology and confirm what it means for people taking supplements. Still. for anyone treating tyrosine as a dependable performance tool. the message is hard to ignore: genetics tied to higher tyrosine levels are associated with a shorter life.
—Lucia Auerbach
This article originally appeared on Fast Company’s sister website, Inc.com. Inc. is the voice of the American entrepreneur.
tyrosine L-tyrosine dietary supplements UK Biobank Aging study cognitive enhancement insulin resistance longevity stress pathways phenylalanine
So does this mean my supplement is gonna kill me? Lol.
I don’t even know what tyrosine is half the time, but I’ve seen it in stress stuff. They say “genetically higher” and I’m like okay but that’s basically everyone who takes it??
Wait so it’s about dopamine/adrenaline and “men lived one year less”… but that could be lifestyle or diet or whatever. Like UK Biobank volunteers aren’t exactly random, and men usually do more dumb stuff anyway.
I swear this is just another “supplements are bad” headline. My brother takes L-tyrosine for focus and he’s fine, so either the study is wrong or it only affects people with certain genes. Also didn’t they talk about phenylalanine too?? seems like they’re blaming tyrosine but it might be from meat/energy drinks or something.