Study Links Higher Blood Tyrosine to Nearly 1 Year Shorter Male Lifespan
Updated
Updated · Newsweek · Jun 16
Study Links Higher Blood Tyrosine to Nearly 1 Year Shorter Male Lifespan
3 articles · Updated · Newsweek · Jun 16
Summary
More than 270,000 UK Biobank participants were analyzed in a study that linked higher blood tyrosine levels to shorter male lifespan, with genetic estimates suggesting nearly one year less life expectancy.
Mendelian randomization and observational analysis both pointed to tyrosine—not phenylalanine—as the amino acid that remained consistently associated with higher mortality risk after further adjustment.
No significant association appeared in women, and researchers said men’s typically higher tyrosine levels may help explain part of the sex gap in average lifespan.
Tyrosine is found in protein-rich foods and focus supplements, but the study did not test supplements directly or show that taking them shortens life.
Possible mechanisms include insulin resistance, stress-response pathways and hormone-related differences, adding to broader research on how brain-linked nutrients may shape aging.
Why might a common amino acid reduce longevity in men but have no effect on women?
Could a popular brain-boosting supplement be secretly shortening the lifespan of men?
High Tyrosine Levels Significantly Reduce Male Lifespan: Landmark 2025-2026 Research Uncovers Sex-Specific Danger
Overview
Recent large-scale studies have found that higher blood levels of tyrosine are linked to a shorter lifespan in men, but not in women, highlighting a key sex-specific biological difference. This effect is not seen with phenylalanine, tyrosine’s precursor, once tyrosine levels are considered. Researchers suggest that tyrosine may promote insulin resistance and chronic stress, both of which are tied to age-related diseases and reduced longevity, especially in men who are more prone to metabolic issues. Protective effects of estrogen in women may explain the absence of this risk. These findings raise important questions about tyrosine supplementation and call for further research.