Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid which directly effects on brain chemistry. ^[1] This essential amino acid is vital for health but human body can’t produce phenylalanine, so that bodily requirements can be fulfilled by supplementing phenylalanine. ^[2] Within a body Phenylalanine is converted into another amino acid tyrosine which can synthesize two key neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) dopamine and norepinephrine that promote alertness. ^[1] Phenylalanine can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and has a relationship to the action of central nervous system. ^[1]

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Available Forms of Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine is available in three different forms:

1. L-phenylalanine
2. D-phenylalanine
3. DL-phenylalanine ^{[1, 2, 3]}

L-Phenylalanine

L-phenylalanine (LPA) is the most common and natural type and in this form phenylalanine is incorporated into body proteins. ^[1] L-phenylalanine can also be converted into L-tyrosine which in turn synthesized into dopamine and norepinephrine. Phenylalanine cross the blood brain barrier and in greater extent interferes with the production of serotonin. ^[3]

D-Phenylalanine

D-Phenylalanine (DPA) is an unnatural form and can’t be found in food but can be produced by conventional organic synthesis and doesn’t take part in the biosynthesis of protein. ^[3] The D type of Phenylalanine acts as a painkiller and is effective for controlling the pain especially the pain associated with bones and joint. ^[1]

DL-Phenylalanine

DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) is a combination of the D and L form and functions as building block for proteins and has favorable effects on depression and pain lowering effect. ^{[1, 3]} DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) is a nutritional supplement that is supposed to increase mental alertness, suppress the appetite and help people with Parkinson’s disease. It has also been used to improve menstrual problems and various types of long standing pain. ^[1]

Possible Health Benefits of Phenylalanine

Beneficial for Persistent State of Fatigue and pain

Preliminary clinical studies suggest that D-phenylalanine may help to reduce persistent condition of pain and fatigue. ^{[1, 2]}

Useful for Progressive Degenerative Problem of Brain

Phenylalanine has potential to improve the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease like rigidity, walking, disabilities, speech difficulties and depression. It may exert positive effects on other mental problems like schizophrenia and migraines. ^{[2, 3]}

Helpful for Depression

Various studies suggest that Phenylalanine may be effective for management of depression. ^{[1, 2, 3]} Administration of Phenylalanine results in improvement and elevation of mood. ^{[2, 3]}

Good for Dispigmentation of Skin

Phenylalanine has favorable effects on dispigmentation i.e. loss of skin color, condition called vitiligo and produce darkening effect on the whitened areas of skin. ^[2]

Other Healthful Benefits of Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine has possible benefits on various health related problems like it may help to improve memory and learning abilities, reduce pain, suppress appetite, support bones and joint health, lessen menstrual cramps, obesity and migraine headaches and other mental problems. ^[3] Phenylalanine is easily available as a nutritional supplement which fulfills the body’s daily requirement.

References:

1. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC & James F. Balch, M.D. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. (3rd edition) Page No. 78. Penguin Putnam INC. New York: Avery.
2. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/phenylalanine-000318.htm
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenylalanine

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.