Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid. Once in the body, it 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. It can be used to treat arthritis, depression, menstrual cramps, migraines, obesity, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia.

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.

Supplemental phenylalanine 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.

Where is it found ?

Phenylalanine is found in: almonds, cottage cheese, lima beans, peanuts, protein rich foods, pumpkin seeds, powdered skim milk, sesame seeds, soy products.

How much to take

Tablets are available in 250 and 500 mg sizes. Not addictive. To increase vitality and alertness, take between meals with juice or water, but not protein. To control appetite, take one hour before meals with water or juice, but not protein. Note: Phenylalanine is not metabolized if you are deficient in vitamin C.

Caution

Do not supplement with phenylalanine during pregnancy or if you have skin cancer (contraindicated for people with pigmented malignant melanomas) or phenylketonuria (PKU). If suffering from high blood pressure or a heart condition, consult with your doctor before using this supplement as it may increase blood pressure. If your doctor okays its use, it is advisable to take it half an hour after meals. Do not take with antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, St. John's wort and licorice root.

DL-Phenylalanine

DL-Phenylalanine is not a naturally occurring amino acid. DLPA is another form of phenylalanine combined with equal amounts of synthetic D- and natural L-phenylalanine. This helps produce and activate endorphins, the body's natural pain killers. They are more powerful than opium derivatives and morphine. Endorphins are constantly destroyed by certain enzyme systems in the body; DLPA may inhibit these enzyme systems from functioning, better enabling the endorphins to do their job. Selective in its pain reducing qualities, DLPA can help people with chronic pain, since it does not interfere with the natural short term acute pain defense mechanisms of the body for injuries such as cuts, burns and scrapes.

Alleviates lower back pain, muscle and leg cramps, migraines, osteoarthritis, postoperative pain, rheumatoid arthritis and whiplash. Powerful anti-depressant. Pain relief that gets more effective the longer used, and you do not build up a tolerance to it if taken for up to one month, without additional medications. Curbs addictive cravings. Sexual stimulant. DLPA has no known adverse interactions with other therapies and medications and can increase pain killing benefits.

How much to take

The experience of pain is very personal. Individuals who have not achieved pain relief with traditional prescription medications may want to consider DLPA; it works when prescription medications fail. Finding the best dosage, depends on the condition. In conjunction with your health care provider, start at 375 mg to 750 mg, taken three times a day, half an hour before each meal. Pain relief may occur within four to twenty-one days. After that period, if no relief has occurred, you may want to double the dosage for another twenty-one days. Once you have found a workable dosage, reduce your intake until you get to the minimal amount you need.

Caution

DL-phenylalanine should not be used by pregnant women. DLPA elevates blood pressure and is not recommended for individuals with hypertension or heart conditions, unless under medical supervision, in which case it is usually prescribed to be taken after meals. DLPA is contraindicated for those with phenylketonuria, an inherited inability to oxidize a metabolic product of phenylalanine and exhibiting severe mental retardation. Persons with malignant melanoma and using antidepressants containing monoamine oxidase inhibitors, should not use phenylalanine.

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