What is N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (NALT)?

N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (NALT) found in HMN24 Flow is a modified form of L-Tyrosine, an amino acid that plays a critical role in the production of important neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (collectively called catecholamines).

These neurotransmitters are crucial for cognitive performance, mood regulation, and stress response.

In NALT, an acetyl group is added to L-Tyrosine, which makes it more water-soluble and potentially enhances its absorption and bioavailability. NALT is often used as a nootropic supplement for improving mental energy, focus, and resilience to stress.

L-Tyrosine effectively enhances cognitive performance, particularly in short-term stressful and/or cognitively demanding situations. L-tyrosine has been shown to be an effective enhancer of cognition when dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) levels are depleted.

Why did we include in FLOW and not in RISE?

Dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) levels are likely to be lower as we move into the afternoon, contributing to the "afternoon slump." This phenomenon can result from a combination of physiological and environmental factors that deplete neurotransmitter levels or reduce their functional efficiency.

Why Dopamine and Norepinephrine Decrease During the Afternoon Slump

Neurotransmitter Utilisation:

Both dopamine and norepinephrine are heavily utilised throughout the day for cognitive tasks, decision-making, and maintaining attention.

Prolonged mental effort and stress can deplete the brain's available pool of these neurotransmitters, leaving you feeling fatigued or unmotivated by the afternoon.

Circadian Rhythms:

Neurotransmitter production and activity follow circadian patterns.

Dopamine and norepinephrine levels tend to be higher in the morning and may naturally decline in the afternoon, coinciding with dips in alertness and focus.

Stress Response:

Stress can increase the demand for dopamine and norepinephrine to maintain performance and resilience.

In response to sustained stress or mental strain, these neurotransmitters may temporarily deplete, leading to diminished cognitive function.

Blood Sugar Levels:

Fluctuations in blood sugar can also indirectly affect dopamine and norepinephrine availability.

A post-lunch dip in energy, often related to digestion or blood sugar regulation, can exacerbate feelings of fatigue.

Sleep and Fatigue:

Insufficient sleep or accumulated fatigue from prior days can reduce dopamine receptor sensitivity or lower overall dopamine synthesis, making the afternoon slump more pronounced.

How Dopamine and Norepinephrine Depletion Contributes to the Afternoon Slump

Dopamine Depletion:

Low dopamine levels are associated with reduced motivation, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of mental exhaustion.

This makes tasks feel more tedious or challenging during the afternoon slump.

Norepinephrine Depletion:

Norepinephrine is critical for maintaining attention and alertness.

Reduced norepinephrine levels lead to poor focus, decreased mental clarity, and an overall drop in cognitive performance.

How L-Tyrosine (and NALT) Can Help

Replenishes Dopamine and Norepinephrine Precursors:

L-Tyrosine (and its derivative N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, NALT) provides the raw material for synthesising dopamine and norepinephrine, helping to restore neurotransmitter levels when depleted.

Supports Stress Adaptation:

L-Tyrosine can improve stress resilience and mental performance during demanding situations by maintaining adequate neurotransmitter levels.

Improves Cognitive Function Under Depletion:

Studies show that L-Tyrosine is most effective when neurotransmitter levels are temporarily depleted due to stress or cognitive load, making it an ideal supplement for mitigating the afternoon slump.

Conclusion

The afternoon slump often coincides with reduced dopamine and norepinephrine availability, contributing to cognitive fatigue and diminished focus. Supplementing with L-Tyrosine or NALT can help counteract this by replenishing neurotransmitter precursors, enhancing cognitive performance, and improving mental clarity during this time.

REFERENCES & SUMMARY

Cognitive Performance Under Stress:

Hase, A., Jung, S. E., & aan het Rot, M. (2015). Behavioural and cognitive effects of tyrosine intake in healthy human adults. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, 133, 1-6.

This study highlights how L-Tyrosine supplementation can mitigate cognitive decline in stressful or cognitively demanding situations by replenishing dopamine and norepinephrine levels.

Stress Resilience and Neurotransmitter Support:

Jongkees, B. J., Hommel, B., Kühn, S., & Colzato, L. S. (2015). Effect of tyrosine supplementation on clinical and healthy populations under stress or cognitive demands—A review. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 70, 50-57.

This review discusses how L-Tyrosine supplementation supports neurotransmitter levels during acute stress, contributing to improved cognitive resilience and emotional stability.

Neurotransmitter Depletion and Cognitive Recovery:

Deijen, J. B., Wientjes, C. J., Vullinghs, H. F., Cloin, P. A., & Langefeld, J. J. (1999). Tyrosine improves cognitive performance and reduces blood pressure in cadets after one week of a combat training course. Brain Research Bulletin, 48(2), 203-209.

This study shows that tyrosine supplementation aids in cognitive performance recovery when neurotransmitters are depleted during prolonged stress, indirectly helping individuals manage stressful situations more effectively.

Mood Regulation and Dopamine/Norepinephrine Synthesis:

Fernstrom, J. D., & Fernstrom, M. H. (2007). Tyrosine, brain function, and stress: An update. Nutrition Reviews, 65(2), 77-82.

This paper explores the role of tyrosine in neurotransmitter synthesis and its potential to improve stress-related mood impairments.

Tyrosine and Cognitive Flexibility:

Colzato, L. S., Jongkees, B. J., Sellaro, R., & Hommel, B. (2013). Working memory reloaded: Tyrosine repletes updating in the N-back task. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 7, 200.

Findings suggest that tyrosine enhances cognitive flexibility and working memory, which may help individuals cope with stress-induced anxiety better.