| DL-Phenylalanine has been found to work in | | | | happens in humans who are missing the enzyme |
| conjunction with the body's natural ability to | | | | required to metabolize phenylalanine. Symptoms |
| relieve pain. It helps to lengthen the lifespan of the | | | | of this disorder tend to appear between the ages |
| chemicals in the brain that ease pain. It is | | | | of 3-6 months. These include: |
| especially effective in relieving pain from arthritis | | | | * Eczema |
| and aching muscles. | | | | * Developmental delay |
| Some chronic pain can be treated with | | | | * Abnormally small head circumference |
| DL-phenylalanine through the stimulation of nerve | | | | * Hyperactivity |
| pathways in the brain that control pain. Enhanced | | | | If PKU is not treated within the first three weeks |
| pain relief has been discovered when | | | | of life, it can cause severe and irreversible mental |
| D-phenylalanine is used in conjunction with | | | | retardation. Women who are pregnant or nursing |
| prescribed pain killers. This manufactured form of | | | | should avoid taking phenylalanine as a supplement |
| phenylalanine is used to block an enzyme in the | | | | in any form. DL-Phenylalanine may cause |
| nervous system that increases pain signals. The | | | | hyperactivity, jitteriness and anxiety in children. |
| interruption of pain signals allows the healing | | | | Phenylalanine is the major ingredient in the artificial |
| mechanisms of the body to begin working faster. | | | | sweetener known as aspartame. Products |
| DL-Phenylalanine is a chemical combination of half | | | | containing this sweetener are required by law to |
| L-phenylalanine and half D-phenylalanine. | | | | carry warnings on their labels for phenylketonurics. |
| L-Phenylalanine is the natural form of phenylalanine | | | | People who have PKU can be severely injured by |
| found in proteins all over the body. It is found in | | | | ingesting the sweetener. Products containing this |
| foods like beef, poultry, pork, fish, eggs, milk, | | | | artificial sweetener include diet sodas, sugarless |
| yogurt, cheese, nuts, seeds and certain soy | | | | gums and some sugar substitutes. Some |
| products. D-Phenylalanine is a synthesized form of | | | | sugar-free versions of Jello, puddings, ice creams, |
| the chemical, which means it is produced in a | | | | candies and various other items also contain |
| laboratory. | | | | aspartame. |
| Phenylalanine as an Amino Acid: | | | | Other Phenylalanine Uses: |
| Amino acids perform various major functions in | | | | Some individuals have reported that taking |
| the body. They assist in fulfilling the body's basic | | | | DL-phenylalanine has improved their mood and |
| needs from minerals and vitamins. They can act | | | | aided in treating depression. This is the result of a |
| as neurotransmitters, which carry signals to and | | | | higher rate of production of the brain chemicals |
| from the brain. They also aid in other parts of the | | | | dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals, |
| body for communication between nerve cells. | | | | when out of balance, cause depression, stress |
| Phenylalanine is one of the essential amino acids | | | | and frustration. Elevation of the levels of these |
| found in protein. This means it is required for | | | | chemicals have an anti-depressant effect in the |
| human health, but cannot be manufactured by the | | | | body. |
| human body. Therefore it has to be supplied | | | | One study suggests that D-phenylalanine has been |
| through food consumption. It can also be found | | | | shown to improve some symptoms associated |
| and taken in the form of powder, capsule, tablet | | | | with Parkinson's disease. These include: depression, |
| or a topical cream. In the body, phenylalanine is | | | | rigidity, walking problems and speech problems. |
| converted into tyrosine, which is another amino | | | | The combination of L-phenylalanine and UVA |
| acid needed to make protein. It is also needed to | | | | radiation may be used to treat the symptoms of |
| make certain brain chemicals and thyroid | | | | vitiligo. This condition involves de-pigmentation |
| hormones. Phenylalanine deficiency signs include: | | | | (white patches) of skin. The use of L-phenylalanine |
| * Confusion | | | | may help to re-pigment these patches, but |
| * Decreased alertness | | | | further study is necessary. |
| * Lack of energy | | | | DL-Phenylalanine has many uses and benefits if |
| * Diminished appetite | | | | taken correctly. As with any new dietary |
| * Decreased memory | | | | supplement, consult your physician before |
| Phenylalanine Warnings: | | | | beginning a new routine. |
| A rare disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU) | | | | |