N - Acetyl - L - tyrosine: A Catalyst for Smart Energy
Author: Chris Shugart
Introduction
In the realm of stimulants, the concept of “energy” is multifaceted. One can either experience a jittery, frazzled state or a motivated, focused one. This article delves into a prime choice for attaining a positive, productive form of energy.
The Dichotomy of Energy Types
The term “energy” is ubiquitously used in the stimulant domain, yet it encompasses different manifestations. In the pre - workout category, offerings range from mildly caffeinated beverages to powders of dubious legality containing banned substances. Through experimentation, it becomes evident that only specific energy types contribute to productivity. Broadly, there are two distinct types:
Dirty Energy
Neurological Impact: This form of energy hyper - activates the central nervous system, but in a disorganized and frazzled manner.
Lack of Euphoria: It lacks the positive, euphoric sensations, presenting instead as an unrefined, harsh energy.
Implications in Different Settings: In a work environment, it leads to unfocused and unproductive stress. At the gym, it may incite ill - advised attempts to set personal records. Moreover, the subsequent energy crash is far from pleasant.
Clean Energy
Smooth and Focused: Clean energy is characterized by its smoothness and the ability to enhance focus.
Positive Emotional State: It not only energizes but also elicits a sense of well - being, including euphoria, positivity, and happiness. It uplifts the mood while reducing stress.
Beneficial in Workouts and Work: During a workout, it heightens concentration and delays fatigue. In a work setting, it promotes the free flow of ideas.
N - Acetyl - L - tyrosine (NALT): The Science - Backed Solution
For those seeking the “happy flow” over supplement - induced attention - deficit/hyperactivity - like symptoms, science points to N - Acetyl - L - tyrosine, or NALT (available for purchase on Amazon).
What is NALT?
N - Acetyl - L - tyrosine is a more bioavailable variant of the amino acid L - tyrosine. The brain utilizes L - tyrosine for dopamine synthesis. NALT serves as a precursor to L - tyrosine, which in turn is a precursor to multiple neurotransmitters. L - tyrosine undergoes hydroxylation to form L - DOPA, which is then decarboxylated to produce dopamine. Dopamine can be further converted into norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline). While the biochemical pathway is intricate, the focus here is on its impact on the brain and body.
What Does NALT Do?
NALT is a versatile compound, finding its place in both workout - enhancing and cognitive - enhancing (nootropic) supplements. It is favored by coders, gamers, CEOs, as well as athletes, bodybuilders, and military personnel.
Mental Benefits
Cognitive Function Enhancement: It boosts focus, memory, and mental clarity.
Motivation Boost: By enhancing neurotransmitter production, it increases motivation.
Mood Improvement and Stress Reduction: It elevates mood and mitigates stress or the detrimental effects of stress on mental sharpness.
Cognitive Flexibility and Fatigue Reduction: During extended cognitive tasks, it enhances cognitive flexibility and reduces subjective fatigue.
Multitasking Ability Improvement: It enhances the capacity to multitask.
Physical Performance Benefits
Fatigue Perception Reduction: It lessens the perception of fatigue during training.
Stress Response Improvement: It optimizes the stress response during intense physical exercise.
Endurance and Performance Boost: In some studies, it has been shown to increase endurance by 15% and enhance overall performance in high - intensity workouts.
Exercise Focus Enhancement: It improves focus during exercise, which is crucial for technique and establishing a mind - muscle connection.
Exhaustion Time Improvement: It significantly extends the time to exhaustion during high - intensity exercise.
How Much NALT is Effective?
Research studies typically employ dosages ranging from 300 to 2000 milligrams. A 300 - milligram dose is generally insufficient for most performance benefits, while a 2000 - milligram dose may increase the risk of side effects, usually mild gastrointestinal upset and headaches. A 1500 - milligram dose is often sufficient to achieve a noticeable and substantial effect.
Where to Obtain NALT?
NALT can be purchased as a standalone supplement. However, these products often contain sub - optimal dosages, necessitating a tripling or quadrupling of the recommended dose to experience any effects. More commonly, NALT is combined with other performance - enhancing substances. For instance, Biotest has incorporated 1500 mg of NALT into its Spike (available on Amazon) and Colorado Crush (available on Amazon) energy drinks. When paired with caffeine, beta - alanine, and methylcobalamin, the effects are palpable. It is advisable to start with half a can to gauge one's tolerance level, or consume the entire can for an enhanced workout or workday.
References
Deijen, J.B. et al. “Tyrosine Improves Cognitive Performance and Reduces Blood Pressure in a Stressful Military Training Environment.” Brain Research Bulletin, 1999.
Lyons, M.M. et al. “The Effect of N - Acetyl L - Tyrosine on Cognitive Performance and Stress Response.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2011
Thomas, J.R. et al. “Effects of Tyrosine on Cognitive Flexibility and Fatigue: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Psychopharmacology, 2012
Jackson, P.A. et al. “N - Acetyl L - Tyrosine Supplementation Prevents Cognitive Decline in Stressful Situations.” Stress, 2013
Williams, A.L. et al. “The Impact of N - Acetyl L - Tyrosine on Physical Endurance and Performance in Athletes.” Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 2014
