Amino acids are known for their role in brain function, energy, and overall health. But a new study has raised questions about tyrosine, an amino acid that occurs naturally in high-protein foods. It is also sold separately as a supplement as it helps in improving focus and overall mental performance. Researchers analysing health and genetic data from more than 270,000 people found that higher tyrosine levels were linked with a shorter lifespan in men. Additionally, genetic analysis suggested that higher tyrosine levels could cut life expectancy of men by nearly one year. No such significant association was found in women. More About The Study Researchers from the University of Hong Kong and the University of Georgia examined data from participants in the UK Biobank to investigate whether two amino acids, phenylalanine and tyrosine, were associated with lifespan. Initially, higher levels of both amino acids appeared to be linked with a greater risk of death. However, when researchers accounted for the relationship between the two, tyrosine consistently stood out. Using Mendelian randomisation, a genetic method that can help investigate causal relationships, the researchers found that genetically higher tyrosine levels were associated with approximately 0.91 fewer years of lifespan in men.Also read: The New Nutrition Gap: Why Knowing What To Eat Doesn't Mean We Actually Eat It Role Of Tyrosine When It Comes To Brain HealthTyrosine is an amino acid that the body uses to make proteins as well as important neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. Dopamine plays a role in motivation, mood and thinking, which is one reason tyrosine supplements are marketed as products that may support focus and mental performance. However, tyrosine is not something people get only from supplements. It is naturally present in foods like meat, dairy products, eggs, soy, beans, nuts and seeds. This means the study does not suggest that people should stop eating protein-rich foods.Also read: Protein Is In Everything, But Is Every Source Actually Healthy? Experts Explain Are Tyrosine Supplements Dangerous? One of the most important points about the research is that scientists did not conduct a clinical trial in which people were given tyrosine supplements and followed to see how long they lived. Instead, researchers studied circulating tyrosine levels and used genetic data to investigate whether naturally occurring differences in tyrosine might influence lifespan. Therefore, the findings cannot establish that taking a tyrosine supplement will shorten a man's life by nearly one year. The researchers also said more research is needed to understand why the association appeared stronger in men and what biological mechanisms may be involved.The study raises the possibility that tyrosine may be connected with biological pathways involved in ageing and metabolism. Previous research has also linked amino-acid metabolism with conditions such as insulin resistance, but whether this explains the association with lifespan remains uncertain. The researchers also found an apparent sex difference, with the association between tyrosine and shorter lifespan being significant in men but not women. The findings must be best viewed as an observation rather than a reason to panic about tyrosine supplements. The study suggests that tyrosine may need closer investigation in longevity research. Further studies are needed before doctors can recommend reducing tyrosine intake or avoiding supplements.