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N-Acetyl-Tyrosine (NALT)

Marketed as a more bioavailable tyrosine, but pharmacokinetic evidence shows most NALT is excreted unchanged in urine — plasma tyrosine increases far less than from equivalent L-tyrosine.

Aliases (4)

NALT · N-Acetyl-Tyrosine · NAT · N-ACETYL L-TYROSINE (NALT)

TYPICAL DOSE

300-500 mg, 30-60 min before cognitive task

Daily

ROUTE

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CYCLE

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STORAGE

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Overview

What is N-Acetyl-Tyrosine (NALT)?

N-Acetyl Tyrosine (NALT) is the acetylated form of L-tyrosine, marketed as a more bioavailable precursor for catecholamine synthesis. It is sold as a dietary supplement for cognitive enhancement, particularly under acute stress.

Key Benefits

Used to support cognitive performance under acute stressors (sleep deprivation, cold exposure, demanding cognitive tasks) by replenishing catecholamine substrate. Evidence is mixed on its bioavailability advantage over plain L-tyrosine; effects are most reliable when baseline dopamine/norepinephrine demand is elevated.

Mechanism of Action

Hydrolyzed to free L-tyrosine, which is converted by tyrosine hydroxylase to L-DOPA, then to dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Increases substrate availability when catecholamine synthesis is rate-limited by stress-induced depletion.

Pharmacokinetics

PeakHalf-life

Approximate curve — visual aid only, not data-precise PK

What to Expect

Week 1
Tolerability and dose-response.
Week 2-4
Early effect window.
Week 4-8
Peak benefit assessment.
Week 8+
Cycle decision point.

Side Effects & Safety

Common (>10%): Negligible at typical doses; rare GI upset.
Less common (1-10%): Mild headache, jitteriness if stacked with stimulants.
Rare-serious (<1%): None documented at supplement doses; theoretical concern for renal load with chronic high doses (excretion-heavy clearance pathway).
Specific watch periods: None unique.