L phenylalanine reddit
[Warning] L-Phenylalanine Induced Panic Attacks, Anxiety, and Depersonalization for Me. : Supplements
This is such a long and fucked up story, so bare with me please.
Near the end of February, I was trying to quit smoking. I had been smoke free for 3 weeks, but I still felt depressed without my lil cig buddies. I started researching online for something that could help me. I stumbled across various articles stating the amino acid L-Phenylalanine would help me immensely. It would lift my depression, suppress my insatiable appetite, and help me stop smoking for good.
I started taking the L-Phenylalanine (1 pill a day, the bottle recommends 3), and on the first day I felt amazing! Like I had smoked a cigarette, but I didn't! My appetite was controllable, and I hardly thought of cigs! I kept taking it for two weeks like this. It lost it's effectiveness almost immediately.
During the third week, I bumped up to two pills a day, and started noticing low level anxiety symptoms. Agitation, a little derealization, shakiness, racing thoughts, and little heart palps. I attributed this to quitting smoking (how fucking stupid of me).
Near the end of the third week, I kept going back and forth in my head with quitting smoking...should I smoke or shouldn't I? I noticed something was wrong. I couldn't stop the thoughts and they were going 1000 miles an hour in my brain. I said fuck this and I smoked a cigarette. I felt a buzz, then 10 minutes later, the racing thoughts were back. I told myself "fuck this, I'm going to be a smoker". Still...the racing thoughts continued.
I went out in the living room and told my dad "something's wrong". I kept pacing and I started crying. I KNEW something was wrong. That night, I prayed it would all go away the next morning. I worked out from 1-3 AM just trying to tire myself out so I could go to bed.
I woke up the next morning and it started right away. I told my dad I had to go to the ER. There, I was assured it was just anxiety and that it would go away.
They sent me home with 5 days worth of Ativan.
The next day was like hell on earth. The anxiety and racing thoughts turned into full blown panic attacks. Impending doom, shaking, crying, cold chills, chest pain, the thought of death looming, screaming, etc. This happened every hour on the hour. Again, we went to the ER. They gave me a shot of Ativan and said it would all pass soon.
I kept taking my Ativan 3x a day for the next 3 days (5 days in total). The anxiety started lifting. On the 6th day after I stopped, I felt high. On the 7th day, I was totally 100% normal. I thought "Thank God, this is finally over! I've learned my lesson! On with life!"
That night, they returned. As strong as they were on the 3rd day. I laid in bed from 11-3 shaking, cold, and filled with dread.
The next day, It was still there. I fought it. Day 9, still there. Fought it again. Life was hell. Day 10, I said fuck it I need to talk to my doctor. She says no no to Benzos! So she puts me on Prozac.
HOLY FUCK. I went from feeling like I was going to die to being convinced suicide was the only option. I only lasted 3 days on Prozac.
I thought "I'm going to fix this on my own." So I looked up online that L-Glutamine is the precursor to GABA. I started popping them like candy just to get the anxiety to subside. And it did. But holy fuck...I was soon rapidly cycling through all these emotions every 5 minutes. Angry to sad to happy to depressed to sad again. I thought "holy shit, now I had bipolar". I researched online and apparently bipolar folks naturally have too much glutamine in their brains. I thought "shit. I fucked up now." I stopped taking the Glutamine and those symptoms went away, but the anxiety crept back.
Through this time, I relied on exercise, education and chamomile tea. It was hell, but every day I saw my symptoms improve. Near the end of the fourth week since I'd first visited the ER, I was only left with depersonalization, and a little bit of worry. I saw the improvements, and I knew I'd make a recovery soon.
I literally had a list of symptoms that I blew through. Vomiting? Gone. Heart Palps? Gone. Crying? Gone. I was nearing the end!
Then, I made the worst mistake possibly of my life.
My mom had bought a big bottle of carbonated Moscato. I thought "why not?" It'll help me sleep and take my mind off this depersonalization! I had 2 and a half glasses and I was drunk as fuck (I never drink). The next day I woke up and it was like I had been transported back to the beginning of week 3. Crying, vomiting constantly, heart palps, cold chills. It was like my worst nightmare come true.
I read online about 'glutamine rebound' effect of alcohol. Oh fuck. Why me? It was like I was back to taking the L-glutamine pills in excess. What the fuck? I hung in there for two days and then since I couldn't stop vomiting, I went to the ER...AGAIN.
I was given Ativan and Promethazine for the vomiting. They gave me a mega dose of Ativan in the ER and four pills to take home. I only took two of those pills for the next two days (1 every morning), then threw the rest away.
I knew those weren't going to fix me. If anything, it would make it worse in the end.
For the next week (Easter sunday to today), I went through all the symptoms again. The first few days, it was vomiting, cold chills, extreme heart palps and crying. Then it eased up a good bit. This morning I woke up and had like 'mini heart palps' if that makes sense. Not beating out of my chest, but I could feel it beating a tad harder than usual. Other than that, I don't have any other symptoms other than the worry that I'll be like this forever and the worry that DP will eventually come back and that it might be permanent or long lasting. I know this is a crazy story. Please believe me when I say I've never had anxiety before this. If anything, I was the guy that needed copious amounts of caffeine and nicotine just to function and get through the day. The OPPOSITE of anxiety.
I'm just now starting to feel normal again, with just a little underlying anxiety. Thank God this is going away, but I still want it to be over with now.
If you have any advice or can give me a timeline for when this might dissipate or share your own story, I'd be very very appreciative.
Thanks for reading.
Phenylalanine – Nootropics Expert
Phenylalanine enhances working memory, executive function, creative flow states, stress reduction, better mood, anti-anxiety and lessens symptoms of ADHD
Phenylalanine is a highly bio-available essential amino acid. Your body naturally converts L-Phenylalanine into the amino acid L-Tyrosine which is then converted into L-DOPA. Decarboxylation of L-DOPA results in synthesis of the neurotransmitter dopamine.[i]
Once converted into dopamine, the enzyme dopamine-beta-hydroxylase converts dopamine into the neurotransmitters norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline). This triad of neurotransmitters are collectively referred to as “catecholamines”.
As a nootropic supplement, you may find several different forms of Phenylalanine available.
L-Phenylalanine is the natural form found in proteins. D-Phenylalanine is a mirror image of L-Phenylalanine that is made in the lab. And DL-Phenylalanine is a combination of the two forms.[ii]
L-Phenylalanine can be a highly effective nootropic for boosting cognitive function because it boosts norepinephrine and dopamine production. Resulting in increased attention, motivation and working memory.
D-Phenylalanine (but not L-Phenylalanine) has been used to treat chronic pain although the clinical research in this area is sparse.
L-Phenylalanine also stimulates the production of thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) which are crucial in maintaining both overall physical and cognitive health.
Phenylalanine helps:
- Cognitive Stress. L-Phenylalanine helps produce the catecholamine-triad of neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.
Sleep deprivation and extreme stressors like heat and cold can deplete catecholamine levels. L-Phenylalanine restores them to preserve optimal cognition.[iii] - Neurotransmitters. Phenylalanine is a necessary precursor for dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. As your dopamine levels increase, you’re better able to concentrate, organize your thoughts, and stay productive.
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD). L-Phenylalanine can be an effective treatment for some with ADHD symptoms. L-Phenylalanine works in synergy with pharmaceutical drugs like Ritalin and Adderall by boosting extracellular levels of dopamine. Helping these drugs be more effective. And mitigating side effects like crashes when the drug wears off.
Table of Contents
OverviewL-Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that you get from food or a supplement. The enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase converts Phenylalanine in your liver into the amino acid L-Tyrosine.
[iv]
Phenylalanine is found in protein-rich foods like soybeans, cheese, nuts, seeds, beef, lamb, chicken, pork, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, and whole grains. The artificial sweetener aspartame also contains Phenylalanine.
Your brain converts L-Tyrosine to L-DOPA which then produces the neurotransmitter dopamine. The unused dopamine is then further converted into the neurotransmitters norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline). This triad of neurotransmitters are collectively referred to as “catecholamines”.
Many neurohackers prefer L-Phenylalanine over other catecholamine precursors because it supports neurotransmitter production without directly increasing neurotransmitter levels.
This last part is key because indiscriminately increasing neurotransmitters across the board can lead to imbalances and tolerance. Which can defeat the purpose of taking the nootropic in the first place.
For example, not enough epinephrine can decrease cognition. And too much norepinephrine can decrease attention, processing speed and executive function.[v]
L-Phenylalanine vs. D-Phenylalanine: What’s the Difference?L-Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid which means you must get if from food. Or as a supplement. Your body cannot synthesize Phenylalanine on its own.
L-Phenylalanine (LPA) is converted into the amino acid L-Tyrosine in your liver. Once L-Tyrosine crosses the blood-brain barrier, it is converted into L-DOPA. Which is further converted into the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline).
D-Phenylalanine (DPA) is a synthetic version of, and mirror image of L-Phenylalanine created in the lab. DPA has a different mechanism of action in the body than LPA.
D-Phenylalanine (DPA) slows the action of the enzymes carboxypeptidase A or endorphinase and enkephalinase.
These enzymes degrade endorphins. Slowing down these enzymes that reduce endorphins can help reduce pain.[vi]
DL-Phenylalanine is a 50/50 combination of L-Phenylalanine and D-Phenylalanine. By combining the two in theory you get the best of both an antidepressant and pain reducer.
How does L-Phenylalanine work in the Brain?L-Phenylalanine boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- L- Phenylalanine decreases depression. L-Phenylalanine is converted into L-Tyrosine which in turn is converted into L-DOPA in the brain. L-DOPA is then used to make the feel good neurotransmitter dopamine. So depression could be the result of not getting enough of the first amino acid (L-Phenylalanine) in the chain of events needed to produce dopamine.
In one study done in Germany, 20 depressed patients received from 75-200 mg per day of DL-Phenylalanine for 20 days. At the end of the trial 12 of the depressed patients could be discharged without any further treatment.
4 of the patients had a moderate decrease in depressive symptoms. And 4 patients showed no response.[vii]
- L-Phenylalanine boosts neurotransmitters. L-Phenylalanine turns into L-Tyrosine once taken as a supplement. It then converts into the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is used to control movement in your body, is fundamental to memory, attention and problem solving.
The unused dopamine can then convert into the neurotransmitters norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline).
Norepinephrine is important for attentiveness, emotions, sleeping, dreaming and learning.
Epinephrine drives your ‘flight-or-flight’ response. It’s what prompts your reaction to dangerous circumstances, emergency situations, or in stressful situations or environments.
This balance in neurotransmitters is critical to the fully optimized, healthy brain. And why some neurohackers choose L-Phenylalanine to allow the body to make the neurotransmitters it needs.
Instead of causing an imbalance by boosting one neurotransmitter over another.
A study in Venezuela investigated ADHD and autism, and the implications of amino acids on these neuropsychiatric disorders. 40 subjects affected by autism and 11 with ADHD along with 41 healthy subjects were included in this study.
The researchers found that those with ADHD had decreasing Phenylalanine and increasing glycine which disrupted their inhibitory neurotransmission system. Not enough phenylalanine and increasing lysine was present in those with autism.[viii]
Another study at Ohio State University looked at amino acids in 28 ADHD patients. And found all subjects with ADHD had significantly lower levels of the amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, histidine, and isoleucine. The researchers concluded each subject had a general deficit in amino acid transport, absorption or both.[ix]
How things go badAs we get older, our brain and body chemistry and energy metabolism changes.
↓ Dopaminergic neurons are damaged or die
↓ Neurotransmitter levels decline
↓ Thyroid hormones decline
↑ Stress levels increase
↓ Working memory and mood decline
All of these changes are often attributed to aging. But could be a result of dietary and lifestyle choices. Unchecked, they could lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, a drop in quality of life and depression.
L-Phenylalanine benefitsL-Phenylalanine can boost levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. And can help a sluggish thyroid produce more T4 and T3.
L-Phenylalanine can help boost cognition especially in stressful situations. It helps improve decision making, ‘flow state’ and creativity, cognitive flexibility, and working memory.
L-Phenylalanine converts into L-Tyrosine which then converts into L-DOPA to produce dopamine. L-DOPA is also used to make melanin in your body. This conversion process helps in the removal of neurotoxic quinones.
And chelates heavy metals like mercury and lead which can accumulate in and damage neurons.
The dopamine that is not used by your brain is available to produce norepinephrine (noradrenaline) which is important for attentiveness, emotions, sleeping, dreaming and learning.
L-Phenylalanine may be an effective nootropic when stacked with ADHD/ADD meds like Ritalin or Adderall. It helps supply extracellular dopamine needed to improve the effectiveness of stimulants used to boost the uptake of dopamine in your brain.
How does L-Phenylalanine feel?Keep in mind that L-Phenylalanine is a precursor to catecholamines. So if you’re not ‘low’ on dopamine, norepinephrine or epinephrine – you may not ‘feel’ anything.
Many neurohackers report a lift in mood, better focus, concentration, increased energy, and an overall sense of well-being. L-Phenylalanine can help readjust your motivation levels. It can help lower anxiety levels, especially social anxiety.
Supplementing with L-Phenylalanine can help bring your blood pressure down if its elevated from a stressful situation or environment. Take it before the stressful event if you can.
L-Phenylalanine helps buffer the effects of stimulants like caffeine or amphetamines. It helps potentiate and prolong the effects of Ritalin or Adderall, and reduces the crash.
If you’re into athletics or do manual work, you’ll find that supplementing with L-Phenylalanine before a workout or construction job can leave you feeling great afterwards. It may help mitigate many of the effects of acute stress caused by short-term stressors.
And L-Phenylalanine helps your body produce L-Tyrosine which helps to produce melanin, so you may find it easier to get a tan while at the beach.
L-Phenylalanine Clinical ResearchPhenylalanine as an AntidepressantSeveral studies have investigated using Phenylalanine for the treatment of depression.
One study published in the journal Arzneimittel-Forschung looked at using DL-Phenylalanine in a small group of patients who failed to respond to popular antidepressants like MAOIs.
In this study, researchers worked with 23 patients diagnosed with depression and who had not responded to standard antidepressants. They were given 50 or 100 mg of Phenylalanine daily for 15 days. The researchers found that Phenylalanine completely improved mood in 17 of the patients. Within 13 days of the 15-day trial.[x]
Another study in the Journal of Neural Transmission studied DL-Phenylalanine use with 20 depressed patients. The subjects were given 75 – 200 mg/day of DL-phenylalanine for 20 days.
The study found that 8 patients completely recovered from depression. And another 4 experienced a significant improvement in mood. Another 4 patients saw mild to moderate improvements, and another 4 did not respond to treatment.
This study shows that Phenylalanine has considerable antidepressant properties.
And is effective for the majority of people suffering from depression.[xi]
Phenylalanine for ADHD seems at first glance as a natural solution for ADHD symptoms. It’s a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine which is targeted with stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall. But the very limited clinical evidence tell a different story for practical use.
In this double-blind crossover study, 19 patients with ADD were given DL-phenylalanine or a placebo for 2 weeks. 13 of the ADD patients experienced a significant improvement in ADD symptoms compared to the placebo. And patients saw an improvement in mood.
But the patients who did respond to DL-Phenylalanine lost all positive benefits within 3 months. And it’s interesting that a later study with ADHD patients using L-phenylalanine (not DL-Phenylalanine) produced no clinical benefit.[xii]
Another study from 1987 treated 11 hyperactive boys for 2 weeks with D-Phenylalanine.
There was no significant improvement or deterioration in behavior.[xiii]
There is a modern school of thought that there are several different types of ADD and ADHD. And the symptoms are caused by malfunctions in different parts of the brain depending on the ‘type’ of ADHD.
The bottom line is some dealing with ADHD may benefit from supplementing with Phenylalanine. And that DL-Phenylalanine may be the best option. Try it and see if it works for you.
L-Phenylalanine Recommended DosageL-Phenylalanine suggested dosage for cognitive benefit is 500 mg up to 3-times per day.
You may find your body responds to smaller doses. Or even more if your stacking it with stimulants like ADHD meds. Listen to your body and see how you react.
Since L-Phenylalanine is an amino acid, for best absorption and so it’s not competing with other amino acids, take it at least an hour before food. L-Phenylalanine works best on an empty stomach.
And take L-Phenylalanine with Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C to further maximize absorption. And give your body what it needs to produce the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.
L-Phenylalanine is also needed along with L-Tyrosine to synthesize the CoQ10 needed to create fuel within your brain’s mitochondria.
L-Phenylalanine Side EffectsL-Phenylalanine quickly turns into the non-essential amino acid L-Tyrosine once you take it. So is considered non-toxic and very safe. Most neurohackers don’t have any negative side effects.
Important Caution: People with phenylketonuria (PKU), and women who are breastfeeding or are pregnant, should not take phenylalanine supplements. PKU is an inherited condition where excess phenylalanine can build up in your body. Aspartame, found in artificial sweeteners such as NutraSweet, is a source of phenylalanine. People with PKU should not use aspartame.
If you are pregnant, ask your doctor about using this artificial sweetener.[xiv]
At higher doses there are reports of stomach issues and migraines. Experts say that L-Phenylalanine is toxic in doses above 5000 mg. And higher doses will not give you any added benefit.
If you try recommended doses of L-Phenylalanine and do not feel any benefit, then this nootropic may not be right for you. You could try L-Tyrosine or NALT instead.
L-Phenylalanine can increase your thyroid hormones. So if you’re hyperthyroid you shouldn’t use L-Phenylalanine.
And if you’re taking MAO inhibitors (MAOI’s) like selegiline, Azilect, Marplan or Nardil you should not use L-Phenylalanine. MAOI’s work in your brain and affect neurotransmitters. So using L-Phenylalanine in combination with MAOI’s could throw off the delicate balance of neurotransmitters needed for optimal brain health and cognition. And taking L-Phenylalanine with MAOI’s could cause a severe increase in blood pressure which could lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Other sides effects which can accompany unusually high doses of phenylalanine can include anxiety, rapid heart beat, restlessness, heart palpitations or high blood pressure. If you are dealing with or on medication for high blood pressure you should not use L-Phenylalanine.
Type of Phenylalanine to buyL-Phenylalanine is available in powder, capsule and tablet form. Capsules and tablets are usually 500 mg.
Phenylalanine is also available as D-Phenylalanine and the 50/50 combined form of DL-Phenylalanine. You may find one form works better for you than another.
Ensure you read labels carefully, and stick with manufacturers who follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). And are GMP-Certified.
Nootropics Expert RecommendationL-Phenylalanine 500 mg up to 3-times per day
I recommend using L-Phenylalanine as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does synthesize some L-Tyrosine from phenylalanine which comes from high-protein foods like chicken, fish, almonds, avocados and bananas.
But most of us don’t get enough L-Phenylalanine from our diet. So supplementation will help. And L-Phenylalanine is a highly bioavailable, natural form of this amino acid. So you should feel its effects faster.
L-Phenylalanine is helpful for most neurohackers to combat stress and sleep deprivation. It’ll boost dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine levels.
It’s particularly helpful if you take L-Phenylalanine prior to a stressful situation, workout or physically demanding job.
L-Phenylalanine could be helpful to those dealing with ADHD/ADD. It’s a great compliment to stack with stimulant meds like Ritalin or Adderall. L-Phenylalanine will provide the dopamine your brain needs. It will help smooth out and prolong the effects of stimulant meds. And help prevent the associated crash when they wear off.
You can safely use up to 1,500 mg per day when stacking with ADHD meds. But dosed throughout your day.
[i] Slominski A., Zmijewski M., Pawelek J. “L-tyrosine and L-DOPA as hormone-like regulators of melanocytes functions” Pigment Cell Melanoma Research.
2012 Jan; 25(1): 14–27. (source)
[ii] “Phenylalanine” University of Maryland Medical Centerumm.edu/health (source)
[iii] Hase A., Jung S.E., aan het Rot M. “Behavioral and cognitive effects of tyrosine intake in healthy human adults.” Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior. 2015 Jun;133:1-6. (source)
[iv] Meisburger S.P., Taylor A.B., Khan C.A., Zhang S., Fitzpatrick P.F., Ando N. “Domain Movements upon Activation of Phenylalanine Hydroxylase Characterized by Crystallography and Chromatography-Coupled Small-Angle X-ray Scattering.” Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2016 May 25;138(20):6506-16. (source)
[v] Tavernier G. et. Al. “Norepinephrine Induces Lipolysis in β1/β2/β3-Adrenoceptor Knockout Mice” Molecular Pharmacology September 2005 vol. 68 no. 3 793-799 (source)
[vi] Walsh N.E., Ramamurthy S., Schoenfeld L., Hoffman J. “Analgesic effectiveness of D-phenylalanine in chronic pain patients.” Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
1986 Jul;67(7):436-9. (source)
[vii] Beckmann H., Ludolph E. in German “[DL-phenylalanine as an antidepressant. Open study (author’s transl)].” Arzneimittelforschung. 1978;28(8):1283-4. (source)
[viii] Zavala M., Castejón H.V., Ortega P.A., Castejón O.J., Marcano de Hidalgo A., Montiel N. in Spanish “[Imbalance of plasma amino acids in patients with autism and subjects with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder].” Revista de Neurologica. 2001 Sep 1-15;33(5):401-8. (source)
[ix] Bornstein R.A., Baker G.B., Carroll A., King G., Wong J.T., Douglass A.B. “Plasma amino acids in attention deficit disorder.” Psychiatry Research. 1990 Sep;33(3):301-6. (source)
[x] Fischer E., Heller B., Nachon M., Spatz H. “Therapy of depression by phenylalanine. Preliminary note.” Arzneimittelforschung. 1975 Jan;25(1):132. (source)
[xi] Beckmann H., Strauss M.A., Ludolph E. “Dl-phenylalanine in depressed patients: an open study.” Journal of Neural Transmission.
1977;41(2-3):123-34. (source)
[xii] Wood D.R., Reimherr F.W., Wender P.H. “Treatment of attention deficit disorder with DL-phenylalanine.” Psychiatry Research. 1985 Sep;16(1):21-6. (source)
[xiii] Zametkin A.J., Karoum F., Rapoport J.L. “Treatment of hyperactive children with D-phenylalanine.” American Journal of Psychiatry. 1987 Jun;144(6):792-4. (source)
[xiv] “Phenylalanine” University of Maryland Medical Center umm.edu Retrieved July 7, 2016 (source)
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L-Phenylalanine - instructions for use, analogues, release form
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All forms of release, dosages, registration certificates, drug manufacturers, drug characteristics
Dietary supplement registration data L-Phenylalanine (capsule)
Contents
- Group
- Action on the body
- Mode of application
- Storage conditions
- Best before date
- Order in Moscow pharmacies
- Reviews
Group
Dietary supplements - proteins, amino acids and their derivatives
Action on the body
Source of phenylalanine
Application
Adults: 1-2 capsules 2 times a day with meals.
Contraindications: individual intolerance to the components of the product, phenylketonuria, pregnancy and lactation. Do not take with antidepressants.
Storage conditions
In a dry, dark place, at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C
Keep out of reach of children.
Expiry date
The information provided on drug prices is not an offer to sell or buy goods.
The information is intended solely for comparing prices in stationary pharmacies operating in in accordance with Article 55 of the Federal Law "On the Circulation of Medicines" dated April 12, 2010 No. 61-FZ.
Reviews
Phenylalanine. Daily rate. Phenylalanine deficiency
Phenylalanine (2-amino-3-phenylpropionic acid, L-Phenylalanine) is an essential aromatic alpha-amino acid. It is present in the body as part of proteins, except for protamines and in free form.
This amino acid is most often used in medicine and sports nutrition. Phenylalanine is also an integral part of the sugar substitute - E951 (aspartame).
Our body is not capable of producing phenylalanine on its own, which is why it must be supplied with food or with the help of dietary supplements. Based on this, it is worth knowing the daily intake of L-phenylalanine.
The daily requirement of the body for phenylalanine
The daily intake of phenylalanine is 2 - 4 grams per day. It is worth considering that depending on age, lifestyle, general health and many other factors, the body's daily need for this amino acid may vary. Thus, for each person, the exact dosage must be established by a specialist in order to avoid a deficiency or excess of phenylalanine in the body.
Consequences of lack of phenylalanine in the body
Lack of phenylalanine in our body can lead to nervous disorders (depression), loss of muscle mass, rapid weight loss, serious hormonal failures, disruption of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands, and mental decline.
This negatively affects the condition of hair, nails and skin.
Consequences of excess phenylalanine in the body
Excess phenylalanine in the human body is manifested by such symptoms as: disruption of the central nervous system, bad mood, sleep disturbance, headache, irritability, decreased mental activity. Therefore, you need to take care of your health, eat right and avoid undesirable consequences from the use of L-phenylalanine in excess doses and thereby receive only benefits for your body.
Benefits of Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine plays an important role in hormonal processes that affect brain activity and overall physical and mental health. From phenylalanine, another aromatic amino acid tyrosine, no less important for the body, is formed, and from it, in turn, dopamine, norepinephrine and adrenaline. With their help, memory, learning ability improves, a good mood appears, clarity of thinking and sexual activity increases. Phenylalanine is involved in the work of the adrenal glands and the thyroid gland, promotes the production of endorphins (hormone of happiness), reduces pain, stimulates metabolism, regulates body weight, burns excess fat, helps build muscle and recover faster from serious illnesses, strengthens tendons, ligaments, which is important and for athletes.
In addition, L-phenylalanine reduces the craving for caffeine, drugs, alcoholic beverages and has a positive effect on the functioning of the liver, pancreas and kidneys. A sufficient amount of phenylalanine in our body will give the skin, hair and nails a healthy look. In addition, fininalanine has the ability to turn into phenylethylamine, which is responsible for the feeling of falling in love.
In medicine, L-phenylalanine is used to treat Parkinson's disease, Vitiligo, chronic fatigue, arthritis, obesity, pain syndromes. And also it is prescribed for PMS, depression, neuralgia, alcoholism, drug addiction, caffeine addiction, attention disorders.
Everyone needs to know that medications and dietary supplements (BAA) containing phenylalanine are not suitable for everyone and have a number of contraindications and possible harm to health.
Contraindications and harms of phenylalanine
Amino acid phenylalanine is contraindicated in pregnancy, individual intolerance, during breastfeeding, patients with phenylketonuria.
