What is phenylalanine and is it bad for you?

Phenylalanine can cause intellectual disabilities, brain damage, seizures and other problems in people with PKU . Phenylalanine occurs naturally in many protein-rich foods, such as milk, eggs and meat. Phenylalanine is also sold as a dietary supplement.

Phenylalanine is used for depression, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinson's disease, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and a skin disease called vitiligo. Some people apply it directly to the skin for vitiligo.

Along with other substances, Phenylalanine contributes to the formation of an important neurotransmitter (a brain chemical which transmits nerve impulses). This neurotransmitter enhances mental alertness and memory and improves mood.

High blood levels of phenylalanine can saturate the transport system across the blood-brain barrier and cause inhibition of the cerebral uptake of other large neutral amino acids such as branched-chain amino acids, tyrosine, and tryptophan, impairing brain protein synthesis.

When taken by mouth: L-phenylalanine is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken in amounts commonly found in foods. L-phenylalanine is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken as medicine, short-term. D-phenylalanine is POSSIBLY SAFE when used as a single dose of up to 10 grams.

Your body needs phenylalanine and other amino acids to make proteins, which are found in your brain, blood, muscles, internal organs, and virtually everywhere else in your body. Phenylalanine is also crucial for the production of other molecules, including (2): Tyrosine.

A musty odor in the breath, skin or urine, caused by too much phenylalanine in the body. Neurological problems that may include seizures. Skin rashes (eczema) Fair skin and blue eyes, because phenylalanine can't transform into melanin — the pigment responsible for hair and skin tone.

Another amino acid that is a suspect for interfering with sleep is L-phenylalanine, the precursor of a family of neurotransmitters known as catecholamines. These substances are generally energizing, and their levels are highest in the morning, lowest at bedtime.

DLPA (or the D- or L- form alone) reduced depression in 31 of 40 people in a preliminary trial. Some doctors suggest a one-month trial with 3–4 grams per day of phenylalanine for people with depression, although some researchers have found that even very low amounts—75–200 mg per day—were helpful in preliminary trials.

The researchers found that the single-dose of phenylalanine reduced food intake, increased levels of GLP-1 and decreased levels of ghrelin. Repeated administration also caused weight loss in the obese mice. The researchers also observed that the rats were moving around more, which might encourage them to lose weight.

DL-phenylalanine may cause symptoms of anxiety, jitteriness, and hyperactivity in children. Doses higher than 5,000 mg a day may be toxic and can cause nerve damage. High quantities of DL-phenylalanine may cause mild side effects such as nausea, heartburn, and headaches.

If DPA is not available, a related product, (DLPA), may be substituted (1,500 to 2,000 mg per day). Phenylalanine should be taken between meals, because protein found in food may compete for uptake of phenylalanine into the brain, potentially reducing its effect.

The key difference between L-phenylalanine and DL-phenylalanine is that L-phenylalanine is the L isomer of phenylalanine whereas DL-phenylalanine is the racemic mixture of D and L isomers phenylalanine. Moreover, L-phenylalanine is common and stable in nature while DL-phenylalanine can be found in trace amounts.

It is concluded that dl-phenylalanine might have substantial antidepressant properties and that further controlled investigations are justified.

For anxious or agitated patients, DLPA can sometimes be experienced as overly stimulating, while more mood-stable patients find it to be both pain-relieving and energy-enhancing. Our recommended DLPA dose is: 1000-2000mg, three times a day.

Conclusion: In summary, phenylalanine in an amount moderately greater than that in a large protein meal stimulates an increase in insulin and glucagon concentration. It markedly attenuates the glucose-induced rise in plasma glucose when ingested with glucose.

Side effects may include allergic reactions, weight gain, gas, flatulence, and bloating. Maltodextrin may also cause a rash or skin irritation, asthma, cramping, or difficulty breathing. The primary sources of maltodextrin will be corn, rice, and potato, but manufacturers may sometimes use wheat.