Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid and the precursor of the amino acid tyrosine. Like tyrosine, phenylalanine is also a precursor for catecholamines including tyramine, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Catecholamines are neurotransmitters that act as adrenalin-like substances. Interestingly, several psychotropic drugs mescaline, morphine, codeine, and papaverine also have phenylalanine as a constituent. There are large amounts of phenylalanine in the brain and plasma. You need biopterin, iron, niacin, vitamin B6, copper and vitamin C for the healthy metabolism of phenylalanine. The average adult ingests 5g of phenylalanine per day. Individuals may need up to 8g every day. (1)
There are three main types of phenylalanine D, L, and DL-phenylalanine. L-phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, which are building blocks for proteins that you must get from dietary sources. According to Michelle Kerns from Livestrong, L-phenylalanine is in most foods that contain protein. Food sources include tuna, mackerel, crab, lobster, bacon, chicken, turkey, lamb and several other foods such as yoghurt, parsley, garlic and eggs. (2)
D-phenylalanine is a mirror image of L-phenylalanine, synthesized in the lab. D-phenylalanine has more pain-relieving and opioid-increasing effects than the L-form because it inhibits the enzyme that breaks down opioids. (3)
DL-phenylalanine is a mixture of the D and L kinds of phenylalanine.
Benefits of phenylalanine
- Relieves depressed mood and enhances focus
- Suppresses appetite
- Relieves skin problems such as vitiligo
- Reduces Pain
Benefits
1) Relieves depressed mood and enhances focus
L-Phenylalanine transforms into L-tyrosine in the body which produces norepinephrine and dopamine and increases focus and vitality. You can take phenylalanine to help with low mood, memory and learning. Consuming small doses may enhance your mood quickly, to do this copper must be present.
2) Suppresses appetite
Taking L-phenylalanine one hour before a meal will help to reduce the appetite and prevent over-eating.
3) Relieves vitiligo
According to WebMD, phenylalanine can relieve a skin condition called vitiligo. Combining L-phenylalanine orally or topically with UVA exposure can be used to treat vitiligo in adults and children.
In research, adults with vitiligo consumed 50-100 mg/kg of L-phenylalanine once per day. L-phenylalanine 50 mg/kg, three times per week for up to 3 months is another option. Applying a 10% phenylalanine cream to the skin can also help treat vitiligo. (4)
4) Reduces pain
D-phenylalanine is known to block the activity of carboxypeptidase. It is an enzyme which degrades enkephalins or endogenous morphine-like substances. According to the National Library of Medicine, D-phenylalanine administered as an inhibiting drug of carboxypeptidase might prolong the analgesia associated with acupuncture. (3)
Phenylalanine works well with
- Fibre supplement and psyllium husks to help prevent overeating
- Evening primrose oil to alleviate low moods and cravings due to PMS
- Devil’s claw for arthritis
- Black cohosh for the symptoms of menopause
- Valerian for stress-related headaches and muscle pains
Some things to consider
People with phenylketonuria, a rare genetic disorder must not supplement with phenylalanine. They may require a phenylalanine-restricted diet. Individuals with phenylketonuria cannot process L-phenylalanine, and it accumulates in their blood. Studies found that individuals with phenylketonuria supplemented with phenylalanine and had attention and mood problems. (5)
It is best to take phenylalanine on an empty stomach away from foods that contain protein.
Resources
- https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Phenylalanine
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/297209-l-phenylalanine-weight-loss/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1978503
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-653/phenylalanine
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21153445
