⏳ Men live shorter than women, because of... this food?

Men's life expectancy is often shorter than women's, and scientists are exploring various avenues to understand this disparity. Dietary factors could play a key role in this phenomenon.

A team of researchers from the Universities of Hong Kong and Georgia, led by Jie V. Zhao and colleagues, examined the influence of two amino acids, phenylalanine and tyrosine, on human longevity. Their study, published in the journal Aging, is based on data from the UK Biobank including more than 270,000 participants. By combining observational and genetic approaches, they sought to establish links between blood levels of these molecules and life expectancy.


The results indicate that high concentrations of tyrosine in the blood are correlated with a reduction in life expectancy in men, which can reach nearly one year. In contrast, no significant effect was observed in women. Phenylalanine, after adjustment for tyrosine, shows no association with longevity in either sex. These findings suggest that tyrosine could act independently on aging, with varying impacts depending on gender.

The underlying mechanisms could involve tyrosine's role in insulin resistance and the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. These substances influence stress response and mood, and their metabolic pathways may differ between men and women. Furthermore, men generally have higher tyrosine levels, which could contribute to the observed gap in life expectancy between the sexes.

These observations raise questions about the common use of tyrosine supplements, often promoted to improve concentration and energy. Although the study did not directly test supplementation, it suggests that reducing tyrosine intake, for example through a moderate protein diet, could promote healthier aging, particularly in men. The authors indicate that phenylalanine shows no association with longevity after controlling for tyrosine.

To further investigate these findings, additional research is needed to confirm causal links and explore safe dietary interventions. Understanding how to modulate tyrosine levels could open perspectives for personalized approaches in public health, aiming to extend lifespan in good condition.

Amino acids and their role in the body

Amino acids are fundamental molecules that make up proteins and are involved in many biological processes. They are essential for growth, tissue repair, and the functioning of the nervous system. The human body uses twenty different types, some of which must be obtained through diet as it cannot synthesize them itself.

Phenylalanine and tyrosine are among these essential or conditionally essential amino acids. They are found in protein-rich foods like meat, dairy products, eggs, and legumes. Tyrosine is particularly important because it serves as a precursor to neurotransmitters like dopamine, which regulate mood and motivation.

In metabolism, these amino acids are transformed to produce energy or other molecules. An imbalance in their levels can affect health, for example by disrupting brain signaling or influencing metabolic pathways related to aging. Understanding their role helps grasp how diet impacts longevity and overall well-being.