Tyramine is an amino acid that is a derivative of tyrosine. It also occurs naturally and can be found in certain foods such as eggplant, avocados, fava beans, figs, pineapple, chocolate, cured meats like sausage and pepperoni, fermented products like red wine, beer, and soy sauce, and aged cheeses and yogurt.
Tyramine and its supplements help increase the secretion of norepinephrine, dopamine, and epinephrine. These neurotransmitters and hormones help to increase heart rate and blood pressure in the body.
Tyramine is used to help increase weight loss in athletes and others. Trials and tests dealing with tyramine are lacking and those that do exist are short in length, so additional tests are needed in order to determine more benefits and results from taking it.
Not all types of physical activity are suitable for everyone. Users take training advice at their own personal risk.
Tyramine and Weight Loss One of the benefits of taking tyramine is possible weight loss. One of the theories as to why tyramine works as a weight loss tool is because it increases the secretion of norepinephrine, also known as adrenalin. Results of norepinephrine include better mental aler... more
One of the benefits of taking tyramine is possible weight loss. One of the theories as to why tyramine works as a weight loss tool is because it increases the secretion of norepinephrine, also known as adrenalin. Results of norepinephrine include better mental alertness, increased energy, mobilization of fat, and the increased burning of calories. These can all help lead to increased loss of weight.
Weight loss supplements often have tyramine as one of the ingredients not only because it increases norepinephrine, but also because it keeps levels of insulin in the body low and steady. When insulin is increased, glucose in the body tends to be converted to fat a lot easier, instead of being used up as energy. Elevated insulin levels also make it more difficult for the body to break down fat. Keeping insulin levels low is one of the keys to weight loss.
Another downfall of elevated levels of insulin is that it decreases the synthesis of proteins. It also increases the rate of muscle atrophy. Athletes who are concerned with keeping weight low use tyramine to help control insulin levels and keep their muscles fit, strong, and lean.
Because tyramine increases the secretion of norepinephrine, increased blood pressure can occur. Tyramine itself can also cause an increase in blood pressure. A receptor found in peripheral tissues such as the kidney, as well as in the brain, has an attraction to tyramine.
This receptor, called the TA1 receptor, is proof that tyramine can act directly as a neurotransmitter. This in turn affects the regulation of blood pressure.
High doses of tyramine can cause a 30 mm Hg increase of systolic blood pressure. Continual high dosage seems to decrease the vasoconstriction response and decrease the amount of norepinephrine secreted, so the increase in blood pressure is less over time.
There is currently no recommended daily allowance established for tyramine. Dosage of tyramine varies for each person and how they respond to the supplement. The average recommended dose is 200 mg per day.
One thing to keep in mind is that the bioavailability of tyramine is reduced when taken with food. If taken on an empty stomach, more tyramine is able to get to the cells and have an effect. If taken with food, the dose may need to be increased in order to have the same result.
As with any supplement, you should start with a low dose of tyramine and increase the dosage gradually in order to avoid unwanted side effects.
Trials on humans that relate to tyramine and its side effects are few and far between, and the ones that do exist were held over a short duration of time.
High dosages and amounts seem to cause increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and headaches, including cluster headaches and migraines. People who already suffer from headaches or hypertension should not take tyramine supplements and should avoid foods that contain tyramine.
Some side effects that have been reported have been general reactions similar to allergic reactions. If there is already a noticeable sensitivity to foods that contain tyramine, tyramine supplements should not be taken.
People who are taking MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) for depression should stay away from tyramine supplements and tyramine- containing foods. Under the effect of MAOIs, the body is unable to break down tyramine. This leads to excess levels of tyramine, which causes an unhealthy increase in blood pressure.
Headaches are often reported by those taking MAOIs and ingesting tyramine. Even small doses of 6 to 10 mg of tyramine per day can cause mild reactions, while taking 10 to 25 mg per day can cause more severe reactions.
If concerned with how tyramine may affect you, speak with your health care provider before taking supplements. Find and compare sources of tyramine with the supplement finder provided, now!
| Increased Heart Rate |
| Migraines |
| Increased Blood Pressure |
| High Blood Pressure |
| Cluster Headaches |
| Burn Fat |
| Increased Energy |
| Mental Alertness |
| Regulate Insulin Levels |
| Weight Loss |