Phenylalanine is an amino acid that forms protein molecules naturally in the body. This enzyme is also found in foods such as bananas, meats, eggs, soy and milk. Even breast milk carries a supply of phenylalanine. In addition, nuts and seeds also naturally contain phenylalanine. Further study of this biochemical was performed during the 60s in Europe.
The above referenced study yielded the protein component of the phenylalanine amino acid chain. Later studies revealed the compound, without the protein component, totally by accident. A group of scientists that included James Schlatter was working on a medicine for ulcers when he discovered the sweetness of aspartame and eventually began further study.
With the absence of the protein chain of the amino acid, a product resembling sucrose was born. By 1969, aspartame was reported as a possible sugar substitute. By the 1970s aspartame was introduced in many food products we use today. The FDA halted production in Georgia with a message that essentially said “Not So Fast” with the production of aspartame-sweetened products. The benefits, side effects, and user reviews of phenylalanine supplements are described below.
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Phenylalanine Benefits and Uses It turns out there are three different types of phenylalanine approved for different uses: L is the natural form of phenylalanine D is produced in the laboratory DL is a combination Since D is a replica of L, it is reported as bene... more
It turns out there are three different types of phenylalanine approved for different uses:
Since D is a replica of L, it is reported as beneficial to people with speech impediments, Parkinson’s disease, and walking disabilities. It also supposedly works to relieve migraine headaches, toothaches, backaches, and works as well as an antidepressant.
The body’s natural phenylalanine controls the release of hormones such as:
Phenylalanine also controls melanin or the skin’s pigmentation. The DL combination is proven to aid in the skin pigment condition, vitiligo. Without the necessary amount of phenylalanine, memory, energy level, reflexes, strength, and focus is decreased. Phenylketonuria or PKU is the result in some cases.
Without the enzyme to metabolize this ketone amino acid, children can have mental and physical developmental problems. This deficiency is evident in kids around three to four months old, and exhibits itself in skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Kids may also have a smaller than average heads.
The laboratory made aspartame of the 70s is made of phenylalanine, methanol, and aspartic acid. Methanol is an alcohol that is said to be toxic. It is used in gas, paint strippers, and cleaners. The aspartic acid is an excitotoxin, which absorbs quickly. This ability classifies excitotoxins as blood-brain barriers.
It is also used in foods, cosmetics and other products. Some people may recognize it as the artificial sweetener aspartame. Aspartame is used in “Sweet & Low” and other brand names of its kind like “NutraSweet” or “Equal”. These sweeteners are used in recognizable products like:
Components of aspartame are found in other products such as products containing monosodium glutamate, or MSG.
Many salty snacks and Chinese foods are laden with this excitotoxin. Excitotoxins over-stimulate the brain cells and could ultimately cause several conditions including Alzheimer’s, Lou Gehrig’s or Parkinson’s disease. Excitotoxins are also connected with obesity in children and adults.
Taken in small doses of 250 to 500 mg, phenylalanine is not addictive according to reports. It can be beneficial as an:
Those looking for severe pain relief; phenylalanine may be taken in doses monitored by a physician. It is recommended that doses be taken between meals on an empty stomach with juice or water.
Phenylalanine is suspect to many adversaries in the form of the amino acid separated from the protein molecules. According to scientists, phenylalanine may cause an adverse reaction in diabetics. High doses of the DL form may cause headaches, heartburn and some nausea. More then 5,000 mg per day could result in permanent nerve damage.
Other problems that could result in high doses and extended consumption of this supplement are high blood pressure, brain damage and could even be fatal. Birth defects are also a possibility for pregnant women who consume too much phenylalanine.
The methanol component may be absorbed through the mucus of the small intestine, converts to formaldehyde, then formic acid, and accumulate as a carcinogen. In conjunction with the excitotoxin aspartic acid, and phenylalanine without the protein chain, the nervous system becomes overexcited.
People are reporting all types of experiences with phenylalanine in foods they eat. Many reported experiences include stomachaches, itching, headaches and other ailments resulting from products containing phenylalanine.
Proponents argue that this nutritional supplement is safe if consumed with enough water. Mention any supplement consumption to your physician during your regular visit, or if you are experiencing health problems.
Compare phenylalanine sources, and other nutritional supplements, by using the free supplement finder provided. If you still have questions, or aren’t convince that this is a good supplement for you, visit the nutrition education page to learn about many other supplement options today!
| Birth Defects |
| Brain Damage In Large Doses |
| Headaches |
| Heartburn |
| High Blood Pressure |
| Itching |
| Nausea |
| Stomach Aches |
| 2-amino-3-phenyl-propanoic acid, Alpha-aminohydrocinnamic Acid, Beta-phenyl-alanine, DLPA, D-Phenylalanine, DL-Phenylalanine, Fenilalanina, L-Phenylalanine, Phenylalanine Ethyl Ester HCl, Phenylalanine Isovaleric Acid, Phenylalanine Methyl Ester HCl |
| Analgesic |
| Appetite Suppression |
| Backaches |
| Depression |
| Mental Alertness |
| Migraine Headaches |
| Parkinson's Disease |
| PKU (Phenylketonuria) |
| Speech Impediments |
| Toothaches |
| Vitiligo |
| Walking Disabilities |