New study finds a common supplement ingredient for cognitive enhancement may lead to a shorter lifespan

A new study published in the journal Aging suggests that higher levels of the common supplement ingredient L-tyrosine may be linked to a shorter lifespan in men. Researchers from the University of Hong Kong and the University of Georgia analyzed data from over 250,000 individuals in the UK Biobank. The study found that men with genetically higher tyrosine levels lived, on average, one year less than those with normal levels. Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid crucial for producing dopamine and adrenaline, which regulate mood, focus, and stress response. It is frequently used in supplements for cognitive enhancement and stress management, and is also found in protein-rich foods. The study employed Mendelian randomization to investigate the causal link between tyrosine levels and longevity. While initial analysis indicated a link between increased phenylalanine and tyrosine levels and a higher risk of early death, only tyrosine consistently correlated with a shorter lifespan after accounting for overlapping effects. This finding raises questions about the long-term health implications of popular dietary supplements that include tyrosine, such as those containing ashwagandha and lion's mane mushroom.