Popular brain supplement linked to shorter lifespan in men
A large study involving more than 270,000 people has linked higher blood levels of the amino acid tyrosine to a shorter lifespan in men.
A large study involving more than 270,000 people has linked higher blood levels of the amino acid tyrosine to a shorter lifespan in men.
The short version
- Using both observational data and genetic analysis, researchers found that elevated tyrosine could potentially reduce male life expectancy by nearly a year, while no significant effect appeared in women.
- Tyrosine is found naturally in protein-rich foods and is also sold as a supplement for boosting focus and mental performance, making the finding especially intriguing.
- A large study involving more than 270,000 people suggests that one common amino acid may be tied to how long men live.
What happened
Zhao, Yitang Sun, Junmeng Zhang, and Kaixiong Ye from the University of Hong Kong and the University of Georgia examined whether phenylalanine and tyrosine, two amino acids involved in metabolism and brain function, are connected to lifespan (lifespan). Their results point to a notable difference between men and women.
Why it matters
Higher tyrosine levels were associated with shorter life expectancy in men, while no significant effect was detected in women.
Summary by Nerd News Network. Read the full article at ScienceDaily — Top Science via the links above and below.