Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine is an Essential Amino Acid, the body needs it for health but cannot make it. Phenylalanine is found in 3 forms: L-phenylalanine, the natural form found in proteins; D-phenylalanine, a mirror image of L-phenylalanine that is made in a laboratory a synthetic form; and DL-phenylalanine, a combination of the 2 forms. Phenylalanine is used in the body to make tyrosine, another amino acid needed to make proteins in brain chemicals, including L-dopa, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and thyroid hormones. Symptoms of phenylalanine deficiency may include confusion, low energy, depression, decreased alertness, memory problems, and lack of appetite.
There is a rare metabolic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU) that effects people who are missing an enzyme that the body needs to use phenylalanine. Not having this enzyme causes high levels of phenylalanine to build up. PKU can cause severe, irreversible intellectual disability if not discovered within the first three weeks of birth.

L-phenylalanine is found in most foods that contain protein, beef, poultry, pork, fish, milk, yogurt, eggs, cheese, soy products, spirulina, and certain nuts and seeds.
 

Health Benefits of Phenylalanine

Adrenal System

 Phenylalanine may increase the efficiency of the Adrenal Glands and may increase the production of Adrenaline.  Anecdotal Evidence

Cardiovascular System

 Phenylalanine may alleviate Hypotension by increasing Blood Pressure.  Anecdotal Evidence 

Eyes/Vision

 Cataracts may occur as a result of Phenylalanine deficiency.  ^[1]

Metabolism

 Phenylalanine 1,500 mg per day may indirectly increase Energy levels in some Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients (by increasing the brain’s production of Norepinephrine).  ^[2]

 Phenylalanine 1,500 mg per day may indirectly stimulate Energy production due to its role as a precursor for Norepinephrine production.  ^[3]

Musculoskeletal System

 Phenylalanine, especially the DL-Phenylalanine form, may alleviate the Pain associated with Arthralgia. However, Phenylalanine has no effect on the underlying cause of Arthralgia.  Anecdotal Evidence

 DL-Phenylalanine may alleviate the Pain associated with Backache.  ^[4]

 Phenylalanine may improve the condition of Fibromyalgia patients, according to anecdotal reports.

Nervous System

 Phenylalanine may increase Alertness via its function as a precursor for Norepinephrine.  ^[5]

 Phenylalanine may alleviate some cases of Anxiety.  ^[6]

 Apathy may occur as a result of Phenylalanine deficiency.  ^[7]

 Phenylalanine may suppress Appetite by stimulating the production of Cholecystokinin.  ^[8]

 Phenylalanine may increase Assertiveness via the production of Norepinephrine.  Anecdotal Evidence

 Phenylalanine 600 mg per day may cause some improvement in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) patients.  Phenylalanine’s usefulness for the treatment of ADHD is likely to be due to its role in increasing Brain Phenylethylamine (PEA) levels.  ^[9]

 Phenylalanine may improve Concentration ability via its function as a precursor for Norepinephrine.  ^[10]

 Phenylalanine is usually L-Phenylalanine, but some studies have shown benefits using DL-Phenylalanine, or D-Phenylalanine may alleviate Depression by functioning as a precursor for the production of Norepinephrine ^[11]

 Phenylalanine in dosages up to 4,000 mg per day may alleviate some cases of Manic Depression by up to 75%.  ^[12]

 Phenylalanine, especially the DL-Phenylalanine form may alleviate the Pain associated with Headache.  ^[13]

Excessive dosages of Phenylalanine also cause Headaches.

 Phenylalanine is a precursor for the production of the Neurotransmitter named Phenylethylamine responsible for the emotion of Love.

 Phenylalanine may enhance Memory, and poor memory may occur as a result of Phenylalanine deficiency due to Phenylalanine’s role as a precursor for Norepinephrine.  ^[14]