| PHENYLALANINE Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid. Because it can cross the blood-brain barrier, it can have a direct effect on brain chemistry. Once in the body, phenylalanine can be converted into another amino acid, tyrosine, which in turn is used to synthesize two key neurotransmitters that promote alertness: dopamine and norepinephrine. Because of its relationship to the action of the central nervous system, this amino acid can elevate mood, decrease pain, aid in memory and learning, and suppress the appetite. Precursor to the hormone, Thyroxine. Phenylalanine is available in three different forms, designated L-, D-, and DL-. The L- form is the most common type and is the form in which phenylalanine is incorporated into the body's proteins. The D- type acts as a painkiller. The DL- form is a combination of the D- and the L-. Like the D form, it is effective for controlling pain, especially the pain of arthritis; like the L- form, it functions as a building block for proteins, increases mental alertness, suppresses the appetite, and helps people with Parkinson's disease. It has been used to alleviate the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and various types of chronic pain. Main Functions: • It can be used to treat arthritis, depression, menstrual cramps, migraines, obesity, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia. • Enhances mood, clarity of thought, concentration, and memory. • Suppresses appetite. • Major part of collagen formation. • DL-Phenylalanine is useful in reducing arthritic pain. • Powerful anti-depressant. • Used in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. Phenylalanine Deficiency: Deficiency symptoms of phenylalanine are: • Bloodshot eyes. • Cataract. • Schizophrenic behavior. Deficiencies seen in: • Depression • Obesity • Cancer • AIDS • Parkinson's Disease Rich Food Sources of Phenylalanine Good food sources of Phenylalanine are curd, milk, pulses and legumes, poultry, groundnuts, pistachio nuts, almonds and leafy vegetables. Caution Supplemental phenylalanine, as well as products containing aspartame (an artificial sweetener made from phenylalanine and another amino acid, aspartic acid) should not be taken by pregnant women or by people who suffer from anxiety attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure, phenylketonuria (PKU), or preexisting pigmented melanoma, a type of skin cancer. |