Essential amino acids are ones that the body cannot produce, and need to be taken in through the diet. Phenylalanine is one of these amino acids. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and is a precursor to the production of many brain chemicals, including dopamine and norepinephrine and hormones, including thyroid hormone and melanin (for skin pigmentation).

How Brain Chemicals Effect Your Health

Dopamine

Dopamine deficiency leads to Parkinson’s disease because the brain is unable to stop unwanted movement. Dopamine also regulates mood and appetite.

Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine promotes alertness.

Hormones: Thyroid & Melanin

Thyroid hormone sets the body’s metabolic rate thus influencing energy, mood, appetite, temperature and weight. Melanin deposits skin pigment and is deficient in the disease called vitiligo.

Phenylalanine is also involved in producing brain chemicals that regulate blood pressure, fluid balance, pain, and fat metabolism.

Key Health Benefits of Phenylalanine

This amino acid can be supplemented for the following conditions:

  • Depression
  • Schizophrenia
  • Pain
  • Vitiligo
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • PMS
  • Obesity
  • Arthritis
  • Menstrual Cramps

Phenylalanine Supplement Options

The biologically active forms of phenylalanine are D (painkiller), L-phenylalanine (makes proteins and brain chemicals), and DL (does both). They are commonly found in capsules. Aspartame contains phenylalanine and aspartic acid.

Take amino acid supplements at least 1/2 hour before or after a meal to maximize their absorption. If you take an individual amino acid supplement for longer than one month, add an amino acid complex to the protocol to prevent the deficiency of other amino acids.

Cautions & Considerations

The amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine compete with phenylalanine for absorption. This amino acid shouldn't be used by people with hyperactivity, phenylketonuria, migraines, anxiety, diabetes, high blood pressure, pigmented melanoma, and pregnant women.