The \delta{}^{18}{\rm O} -value of the p-OH group of L-tyrosine permits the assignment of its origin to plant or animal sources

The biosynthesis of L-tyrosine in plants by the shikimate pathway via arogenate implies that the oxygen atom in the p-position originates from D-erythrose with a d¹⁸O \delta{}^{18}{\rm O} -value near +30‰ above leaf water, while its synthesis in animals by hydroxylation of external L-phenylalanine with O₂ as oxygen source and a kinetic isotope effect k₁₆/k₁₈ɏ.018 demands a d¹⁸O \delta{}^{18}{\rm O} -value near +6‰. These expectations are fully confirmed by experimental data from the ¹⁸O-pattern analysis of natural aromatic compounds. The result is considered as a basis for the assignment of L-tyrosine and L-tyrosine-derived material of plant or animal origin, respectively, and for the determination of the relative amounts of plant and animal material in food and animal feed.