A Double Blind, Randomized Cross-Over Trial of Tyrosine Treatment on Cognitive Function and Psychological Parameters in Severe Hospitalized Anorexia Nervosa Patients.

Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by self-induced malnutrition, affecting body image, mood, cognition and survival. Tyrosine, an essential amino acid is the precursor of catecholamines. The use of tyrosine to treat AN is based on experiments on diet restricted mice, in which it increased food consumption, improved cognitive function and elevated brain catecholamines.