N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine vs L-Tyrosine: Which is better?

Tyrosine is one of the best nootropics in existence. It is one of the most effective nootropics for boosting motivation, and it has broad beneficial effects on cognitive function as well. This is why almost all high-quality nootropic stacks contain some Tyrosine.

There are multiple different forms of Tyrosine to take. As a naturally occurring amino acid, Tyrosine comes in a lot of different forms. Basic Tyrosine, L-Tyrosine, and N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (also known s NALT) are the most widely used.

One question we get asked all the time is what the best form of Tyrosine is to take for cognitive enhancement. In particular, we get asked whether L-Tyrosine or N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine is the superior form of Tyrosine. These are the two most popular forms of Tyrosine used in nootropics today. So which is better?

In this article, we’re going to look at the different forms of Tyrosine to see which is best to use in a nootropic stack.

What are the benefits of Tyrosine supplements?

The benefits of taking Tyrosine are broad and substantial. This is one of the most interesting natural nootropics in existence.

Tyrosine is part of a small group of dopaminergic nootropics. Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine; studies show that supplementing with Tyrosine increases dopamine levels, which in turn raises motivation, drive and mood.

Clinical trials show beyond doubt that Tyrosine supports cognitive performance in situations when motivation would likely be low and mental strain at its highest.

So far researchers have found that Tyrosine improves cognitive performance in people subjected to:

• Sleep deprivation
• Extreme cold
• Multitasking
• Mental fatigue
• Intense pressure and stress

It’s no wonder that Tyrosine is used in all of the best natural nootropic stacks. It is the ideal nootropic for business professionals, traders, students, athletes – anyone who needs to stay locked in and stress free during times of peak mental strain and fatigue.

What’s the difference between L-Tyrosine and N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine?

NALT is much more soluble than Tyrosine; that is really the main and only difference between the two forms of Tyrosine. N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (NALT) is much more bioavailable owing to its added N-Acetyl group, which makes it easier to absorb and utilize.

While L-Tyrosine and N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine are both structurally very similar, the addition of an acetyl group does measurably change the effects of Tyrosine as experienced by the user.

The fact that NALT is so much more bioavailable and so much quicker to be absorbed makes it feel a lot more potent to its users. However, in practical terms there is very little difference between L-Tyrosine and NALT.

Which is better L-Tyrosine or NALT?

While the greater bioavailability of NALT leads people to say it is better than L-Tyrosine, this is not necessarily true. There may be some slight difference between the two forms of Tyrosine, but in reality we think there is no discernible difference between the two.

Tyrosine is quite a fast acting natural nootropic as it is. Even if you’re taking basic Tyrosine, you’re going to see a significant improvement in focus, drive and motivation within an hour or two. Most of the clinical trials looking at Tyrosine have used simple L-Tyrosine rather than NALT. So while NALT may be slightly faster acting and potentially more powerful by weight, the difference is not enormous.

Which form of Tyrosine is best?

It is difficult to really say which form of Tyrosine is best. While N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine is more bioavailable and generally faster-acting than L-Tyrosine, there isn’t much in it.

Where there is a big difference between L-Tyrosine and N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine is in the price. NALT is significantly more expensive than L-Tyrosine. When a nootropic stack uses NALT instead of L-Tyrosine, it might look like it is using a superior ingredient, but in reality you are paying a lot more money for not much more in terms of benefits.

For most people, the form of Tyrosine that is best for them is the cheaper one, since there is very little difference in terms of practical, noticeable benefits.

If you’re looking to enhance cognitive function in a major way, stacking is the best approach. We strongly recommend stacking Tyrosine with theanine, caffeine and a powerful cholinergic like Citicoline for maximum results.