3-Tyrosine, in contrast to the para isomer, is readily racemized. The majority of the load was metabolized to m-hydroxyphenylacetic acid but m-hydroxymandelic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid were also detected. Low circulating levels of m-tyrosine in the plasma suggest that most of the load is held due to a first pass effect somewhere in the enterohepatic system and that this portion of the load is not in equilibrium with the plasma m-tyrosine. The metabolism of a m-tyrosine may give further insight into the deficiencies of the phenylalanine hydroxylating system found in the various phenotypes of phenylketonuria. 3-Tyrosine has been used experimentally as a substitute for L-DOPA in the treatment of Parkinsonism. 3-tyrosine mimics the action of Dopa in two experimental animal models. It was also obvious from the experiments with d,l- and l-m-tyrosine that only the l-isomer (3-Tyrosine) is active.

Tyrosine (L-form) is a non-essential amino acid, which is primarily required for the protein synthesis. This amino acid is the precursor of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine; therefore the lower concentration of tyrosine could be a peripheral marker of the hyperdopaminergic condition hypothesized to explain psychosis. Tyrosine supplements can improve cognition, increase energy, reduce anxiety, reduce depression, reduce levels of pain.

N-Acetyltyrosine is an acetylated derivative of the amino acid L-tyrosine. Ordinary L-tyrosine is less stable and also less soluble in water, which may result in reduced bioavailability. Acetylation enhances the solubility and stability of certain amino acids. N-Acetyltyrosine is commonly used in place of tyrosine in parenteral nutrition. It converts to tyrosine and then can be used in neurotransmitter treatment as a precursor of cathecholamine. N-Acetyltyrosine supports brain function by supporting the synthesis of the catecholamines norepinephrine and dopamine (neurotransmitters). N-Acetyltyrosine supplements are used to improve memory and cognitive performance in humans while they are experiencing psychological stress.