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Some sports science research supports the idea that taking Branch-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplements during endurance exercise will enhance performance. The theory is that during endurance exercise the muscles will start to utilise BCAA for energy, so reducing their concentration in the blood and increasing the relative concentration of this and other amino acids in the brain, changing the brain chemistry in a way that increases fatigue. (For readers of a more scientific bent, increased Trypophan entry to the brain boosts levels of the 5-HT neurotransmitter, which increases fatigue and dulls cognitive powers.)
An Israeli research team set out to investigate whether supplements of Tyrosine, a natural amino acid, would have the same energy-boosting effects as BCAAs. The researchers, from the Jerusalem University Medical School, found that injecting rats with Tyrosine led to favourable brain chemistry changes in relation to exercise and cognition; the supplemented rats performed better on a maze test and showed decreased levels of 5-HT in the brain, which led, in turn, to less fatigue during exercise.
There is little doubt that intense or prolonged exercise affects brain chemistry: therefore, supplements which can possibly maintain a favourable brain chemistry balance could be useful for athletes. It would seem from these results that Tyrosine supplementation could limit increases in the fatigue-inducing 5-HT neurotransmitter, keeping both physical energy and mental faculties on top form.
The army has been known to use Tyrosine as a supplement during hard physical missions, and other research exists to support its use in humans to help combat stress and boost performance. In general, Tyrosine should be seen as a stimulatory amino acid supplement.
Lack of research on human athletes makes it impossible to say for sure if it works, but in theory it could be beneficial and is safe in a moderate dose.
For best results, the supplement should be taken on an empty stomach in a dose of about 200mg before a tough training session or competition.
