Researchers from the University of Hong Kong and the University of Georgia analyzed data from more than 270,000 participants in the UK Biobank database. The findings were published in the journal Aging and reported by SciTechDaily.
The study focuses on the amino acid tyrosine, which occurs naturally in foods such as meat, eggs, dairy products, beans, and soy.
Tyrosine is also commonly used in energy products and dietary supplements because it is associated with increased energy and concentration.
According to the researchers, tyrosine helps the body produce neurotransmitters such as dopamine and adrenaline, which influence focus and stress responses.
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Previous research
Earlier animal studies have suggested that lower intake of certain amino acids may be linked to a longer lifespan.
At the same time, other studies have connected high levels of tyrosine with metabolic and insulin-related problems.
In the new study, the researchers used genetic data to investigate whether there could be a link between tyrosine and lifespan in humans.
The researchers emphasize that the findings do not mean people should avoid protein-rich foods or stop taking supplements.
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Greatest effect found in men
When comparing the results, the researchers found a particularly strong association between high levels of tyrosine and a shorter lifespan in men.
According to the study, men with genetically higher levels of tyrosine were associated with an average lifespan that was approximately 0.9 years shorter.
The same clear connection was not observed in women.
The researchers believe that more studies are needed to understand how tyrosine affects the body over many years.
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Sources: SciTechDaily and Aging.
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