Human study · Supplements / medicine · 6 Sept 2026
Popular brain supplement linked to shorter lifespan in men
Source: ScienceDaily
What the research found
Study (observational plus Mendelian randomization). Zhao, Sun, Zhang and Ye (Hong Kong and Georgia) analyzed more than 270,000 UK Biobank participants in Aging-US. Higher blood tyrosine tracked with shorter predicted male lifespan—about a year in genetic estimates—while women showed no significant effect. Phenylalanine dropped out after adjusting for tyrosine. The authors did not test tyrosine pills; this is not proof that a focus supplement shortens life. Protein restriction to lower tyrosine is unproven as a longevity tactic and can work against muscle in older adults. Discuss supplements with a clinician.
Evidence level: Human study. A study in people, but an association isn't proof of cause.
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