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Product Information An Amino Acid that enhances memory, mood, concentration and energy. It alleviates chronic pain (DL-form only), headaches, anxiety and suppresses the appetite. Phenylalanine improves the health of the skin, is responsible for the emotion of love, increases the efficiency of the Adrenal Glands and reduces the amount of sleep required by the body.
Description Phenylalanine is an Essential, Glucogenic, Large Neutral, Ketogenic Amino Acid. Health Benefits of Phenylalanine Adrenal System Phenylalanine may increase the efficiency of the Adrenal Glands and may increases the Adrenal Glands’ production of Adrenaline. Cardiovascular System Phenylalanine may alleviate Hypotension (by increasing Blood Pressure). Eyes/Vision Cataracts may occur as a result of Phenylalanine deficiency. 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).
Phenylalanine (1,500 mg per day) may indirectly stimulate Energy production (due to its role as a precursor for Norepinephrine production). 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).
DL-Phenylalanine may alleviate the Pain associated with Backache.
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).
Phenylalanine may alleviate some cases of Anxiety.
Apathy may occur as a result of Phenylalanine deficiency.
Phenylalanine may suppress Appetite (by stimulating the production of Cholecystokinin).
Phenylalanine may increase Assertiveness (via the production of Norepinephrine).
Phenylalanine (600 mg per day) may cause some improvement in Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) patients. Phenylalanine’s usefulness for the treatment of ADD is likely to be due to its role in increasing Brain Phenylethylamine (PEA) levels. Phenylalanine may improve Concentration ability (via its function as a precursor for Norepinephrine).
Phenylalanine (usually L-Phenylalanine but some studies have shown benefit using DL-Phenylalanine or D-Phenylalanine) may alleviate Depression when Depression is caused by Norepinephrine deficiency (by functioning as a precursor for the production of Norepinephrine): Phenylalanine (in dosages up to 4,000 mg per day) may alleviate some (up to 75% of) cases of Manic Depression. Phenylalanine (especially the DL-Phenylalanine form) may alleviate the Pain associated with Headache. Caution: 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 (via Phenylalanine’s role as a precursor for Norepinephrine).
Phenylalanine (2,000 mg per day or more) may improve Mood. Phenylalanine may alleviate Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
The "D" or "DL" forms of Phenylalanine (1,000 1,500 mg per day) may alleviate chronic Pain (by blocking the Enkephalinase enzyme that destroys the naturally-occurring Opioids that are involved in the suppression of Pain): This effect only occurs in some people inexplicably Phenylalanine has no effect on some people's perception of Pain. Phenylalanine may alleviate Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Phenylalanine may reduce the amount of Sleep required by the body. Sexual System Phenylalanine (especially the DL-Phenylalanine form) may alleviate the Pain associated with Dysmenorrhea (however Phenylalanine has no effect on the underlying cause of Dysmenorrhea). Skin Phenylalanine may improve the health of the Skin (by contributing to the production of various endogenous chemicals in the Skin such as Collagen, Elastin and Melanin).
Phenylalanine (consumed orally combined with 10% Phenylalanine solution applied topically and exposure to UV-
A) may alleviate Vitiligo. Phenylalanine may enhance the Function of these Substances View the Biochemical Pathway for Phenylalanine Amino Acids Phenylalanine is a precursor for the endogenous production of Tyrosine. Carbohydrates Phenylalanine can be metabolized to form endogenous Glucose within the Liver after it has lost its amino group by transmission. Hormones Phenylalanine is a constituent of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH).
Phenylalanine is a precursor for the production of Cholecystokinin (CCK) and Phenylalanine supplementation may increase CCK levels.
Phenylalanine is a constituent of Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone. Phenylalanine is a constituent of Somatostatin. Neurotransmitters Phenylalanine is metabolized within the body to form Catecholamine Neurotransmitters (usually via Tyrosine): Phenylalanine is a precursor for the endogenous production of Dopamine.
Phenylalanine is a precursor for the endogenous production of orepinephrine.
Phenylalanine is a precursor for the production of Phenylethylamine (PEA) this conversion is not dependent upon Tyrosine.
Phenylalanine is a constituent of Vasopressin. Proteins Phenylalanine is involved in the production of Collagen.
Phenylalanine is involved in the production of Elastin.
Phenylalanine is involved in the production of Melanin (as a precursor for Tyrosine which is in turn a precursor for Melanin). Smart Drugs Phenylalanine can drastically reduce the effective optimal dosage for Deprenyl (in persons using Deprenyl for mental enhancement or life extension purposes). Phenylalanine may Counteract these Potentially Toxic Substances Enzymes Phenylalanine (especially the DL-Phenylalanine form) inhibits Enkephalinase (the Enzyme that degrades the body’s endogenous Opioids). These Substances may Enhance the Function of Phenylalanine Enzymes Chymotrypsin is the Endopeptidase Proteolytic Digestive Enzyme responsible for "breaking down" the Carboxyl Groups contained in dietary Phenylalanine.
Phenylalanine Hydroxylase catalyzes the conversion of Phenylalanine to Tyrosine (primarily in the Liver). Hormones Glucagon catalyzes the conversion of deaminated Phenylalanine to form endogenous Glucose. Minerals Iron improves the function of Phenylalanine. Vitamins Folic Acid is an essential cofactor for the Phenylalanine Hydroxylase enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of Phenylalanine to Tyrosine.
Vitamin B3 enhances the function of Phenylalanine.
Vitamin B6 enhances the function of Phenylalanine. These Substances may Interfere with Phenylalanine Alkaloids Caffeine may lower plasma Phenylalanine levels. Amino Acids Isoleucine may compete with Phenylalanine for uptake into the Brain. Phenylalanine may Interfere with these Substances Amino Acids High intake of Phenylalanine may deplete the body’s Cysteine reserves. Neurotransmitters Excessive Phenylalanine levels may cause depletion of Serotonin.
Phenylalanine may inhibit the ability of Tryptophan to cross the Blood-Brain Barrier (it competes with Tryptophan for entry into the Brain). Dietary Sources of Phenylalanine (mg of Phenylalanine per 100 grams) Algae: Chlorella Spirulina
Animal-Derived Supplements: Velvet Deer Antler
Dairy Products: Cottage Cheese Milk
Eggs:
Fruit: Banana 38
Herbs: Passion Flower
Legumes: Soya Beans
Meat: Chicken Beef
Processed Foods: Aspartame
Seafood: Fish
Vegetables: Fennel Garlic
Toxic Effects of Excessive Phenylalanine Nervous System Excessive consumption of Phenylalanine may cause Aggressiveness.
Excessive doses of Phenylalanine supplements (e.g. more than 1,500 2,400 mg per day) may cause Anxiety in some people.
Headaches may occur as a symptom of excessive Phenylalanine consumption (the most likely explanation for Phenylalanine’s ability to cause Headache in some persons is its conversion to Tyramine, a known cause of Headache): It is noteworthy that non-excessive doses of Phenylalanine alleviate the Pain associated with Headache. Insomnia may occur as a symptom of excessive Phenylalanine consumption.
Excessive dosages of Phenylalanine may cause Irritability. These Ailments may interfere with Phenylalanine's Normal Biochemical Pathway Digestive System Hypochlorhydria (insufficient Hydrochloric Acid production) may cause Phenylalanine to be converted to the toxic Amino Acid byproduct Tyramine instead of following its usual beneficial biochemical pathway. Nervous System Excessive Stress may cause Phenylalanine to be converted to the toxic Amino Acid byproduct Tyramine instead of following its usual beneficial biochemical pathway. Yeasts Candida Albicans proliferation may cause Phenylalanine to be converted to the toxic Amino Acid byproduct Tyramine instead of following its usual beneficial biochemical pathway. Contraindications Cardiovascular System Hypertension patients are advised NOT to consume supplemental Phenylalanine (due to the fact that it may further elevate Blood Pressure). Immune System Melanoma patients should NOT use supplemental Phenylalanine as this type of Skin Cancer feeds on Phenylalanine. Metabolism Cirrhosis patients should NOT consume Phenylalanine. Nutrient Metabolism Ailments Phenylketonuria (PKU) patients must not consume Phenylalanine as they are unable to convert Phenylalanine to Tyrosine via Phenylalanine Hydroxylase when Phenylketonuria patients consume Phenylalanine, it causes a dangerously excessive build-up of unabsorbed Phenylalanine within the body. Pharmaceutical Drugs People who are using Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor Anti-Depressants should not use Phenylalanine supplements (as this combination increases the risk of Hypertension). Endogenous Phenylalanine Levels LABORATORY REFERENCE VALUES
Males: Plasma Phenylalanine The following blood plasma Phenylalanine levels are regarded as normal for adult males (values differ between different laboratories): 6 14 micromoles (mmoles)/100 ml
4 12 micromoles (mmoles)/100 ml Males: Urine Phenylalanine The following urine Phenylalanine levels are regarded as normal for adult males: 25 150 micromoles (mmoles)/24 hours Females: Plasma Phenylalanine The following blood plasma Phenylalanine levels are regarded as normal for adult females (values differ between different laboratories): 5 13 micromoles (mmoles)/100 ml
4 9 micromoles (mmoles)/100 ml Females: Urine Phenylalanine The following urine Phenylalanine levels are regarded as normal for adult females: 30 140 micromoles (mmoles)/24 hours Forms of Phenylalanine D-Phenylalanine is a form of Phenylalanine that is only rarely used as a therapeutic substance. Its only therapeutic applications are for the alleviation of chronic Pain and possibly to alleviate Depression.
DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) consists of 50% L-Phenylalanine + 50% D-Phenylalanine. This form of Phenylalanine is usually used for the treatment of chronic Pain. L-Phenylalanine is the usual form of Phenylalanine supplementation for purposes other than the treatment of chronic Pain. Dosage Recommendations Minimum Dietary Intake The recommended daily allowance for Phenylalanine is 2,200 mg per day. This is the amount of L-Phenylalanine that experts recommend as the minimum required for optimal health. This quantity is usually provided by the diet. General Therapeutic Dosage The general therapeutic dosage for supplemental L-Phenylalanine is in the range of 1,000 8,000 mg (1 8 grams) per day. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) 1,500 mg of supplemental L-Phenylalanine per day is recommended for some CFS patients as a means of boosting their subjective Energy levels. Energy Some people report an increase in their subjective levels of Energy when using 1,500 mg of supplemental L-
Phenylalanine per day. Manic Depression A dosage of 4,000 mg (4 grams) of supplemental L-Phenylalanine is effective for the treatment of the symptoms of some cases of Manic Depression. Pain The general dosage for supplemental DL-Phenylalanine for the treatment of chronic Pain is 1,000 2,250 mg per day. Only the DL-Phenylalanine form is effective against Pain. Timing Considerations The optimal timing for Phenylalanine supplements is in the morning on an empty Stomach prior to breakfast. Bioavailability Phenylalanine should be consumed on an empty stomach to maximize its absorption (as Phenylalanine requires the same enzymes for transport across the Blood-Brain Barrier as other Large Neutral Amino Acids (LNAAs)).
The body's ability to absorb Phenylalanine decreases markedly in tandem with the Aging Process.
Phenylalanine is present in its “free” form in the Blood, however in the Brain it is not present in its “free” form, but is incorporated into various Proteins, Peptides and Neurotransmitters within the Brain. Phenylalanine vs Tyrosine Phenylalanine is absorbed by the body better than Tyrosine: In one study, 15 grams of supplemental Phenylalanine raised plasma Phenylalanine levels 17 times above baseline. The same dosage of Tyrosine raised plasma levels of Tyrosine to three times above baseline.
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