Amino Acids

	Folic Acid
	Glutathione
	Glycine
	Methionine
	Ornithine
	Phenylalanine
	Proline
	Taurine
	Threonine
	Tryptophan
	Tyrosine
	Valine

Phenylalanine - Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

Phenylalanine is one of the essential amino acids found in proteins. It can be converted in the body to tyrosine, which in turn is used to synthesize two important neurotransmitters - dopamine and norepinephrine.

In the United States , newborns are tested for PKU during the first 48 to 72 hours of life. However, unlike for many other amino acids, there have been extensive studies on possible negative effects of phenylalanine, though they occur in less than 1 in 15,000 persons.

Functions and Benefits of Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine can be converted to tyrosine by way of an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase. This enzyme has been shown to be genetically impaired in some individual, resulting in a disorder called phenylketonuria. Among the additional alleged health benefits of phenylalanine and phenylalanine supplementation are a use in the suppression of pain and as an weight loss aid through the suppression of appetite. These neurotransmitters affect brain and nervous system function to elevate mood and increase alertness. D-phenylalanine has also been shown to promote the action in the brain of the small protein molecules known as endorphins and enkephalins.

Phenylalanine can promote the cell division of existing malignant melanoma cells. L-phenylalanine may also be useful in the treatment of vitiligo. Combining L-phenylalanine (oral and topical) with UVA radiation for people with vitiligo (a condition characterized by irregular depigmentation or white patches of skin) may lead to some darkening or repigmentation of the whitened areas, particularly on the face.

Recommended Dosage for Phenylalanine

L-phenylalanine supplements as well as DL-phenylalanine supplements are available in the nutritional supplement marketplace. L-phenylalanine has been used in amounts up to 3.5 grams per day. Typical consumption of dl-phenylalanine supplements is 375 mg to 2.25 grams daily. Recommended dosages of phenylalanine vary depending on the health condition being treated. It's necessary to seek medical advice before supplementation.

Food Sources of Phenylalanine

DPA does not normally occur in food. L-tyrosine is found in many protein containing foods, such as meats, dairy products, fish, wheat and oats. However, when phenylalanine is synthesized in the laboratory, half appears in the L-form and the other half in the D-form. These two compounds can also be synthesized individually, but it is more expensive to do so.

Deficiency Symptoms of Phenylalanine

Symptoms of phenylalanine deficiency include confusion, lack of energy, decreased alertness, decreased memory, and diminished appetite. Tyrosine, a parent amino acid for skin, hair, and eye pigments and is involved in syndromes, known generally as oculocutaneous albinism, that are characterized by the failure to form melanin pigments, resulting in partial or complete albinism.