Essential amino acid needed for the normal growth of infants and children. It is also needed for normal protein use all through life. Precursor to tyrosine which is used to manufacture certain hormones (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopa, dopamine) which are important for the transmission of nerve impulses. As neurotransmitters, these substances are believed to influence mood, appetite control and memory. It is found in large amounts in milk, eggs, and other common foods.

	Aspartame Side-Effects The Condition "...It is a mixture of 40% aspartic acid, 50% phenylalanine, and 10% methanol (also known as wood alcohol -- poison!) Although there are no publicized studies to substantiate the risks of aspartame, there are many who suffer from adverse reactions..." Depression Recommendation L-Phenylalanine "Phenylalanine can affect depression via three separate pathways..." Recommendation Aspartame (Nutrasweet) Avoidance "...Researchers have pointed out that increasing in phenylalanine levels in the brain, which can and does occur in persons without PKU, leads to a decreased level of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which leads to a variety of emotional disorders..." Recommendation Amino Acid Profile "...Low tyrosine or phenylalanine levels can result in abnormal levels of mood-regulating chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and catecholamines..." L-Phenylalanine As A Treatment "...People with phenylketonuria must not supplement phenylalanine..." L-Tyrosine As A Treatment "...Function; Reasons For Use Tyrosine is an aromatic amino acid, the hydroxylated form of the essential amino acid phenylalanine..." Ochronosis / Alkaptonuria The Condition "...manifestation of alkaptonuria - a rather rare (one in 200,000 births) inherited disorder of protein metabolism characterized by an inability of the body to metabolize the amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine..." Phenylketonuria Related Topic "An inherited disease caused by a lack of an enzyme necessary for converting phenylalanine into a form the body can use..." Rheumatoid Arthritis Recommendation L-Phenylalanine "The 'D' form of phenylalanine (DPA) has been used to treat chronic pain, including rheumatoid arthritis, with mixed effectiveness..."

Last updated: Nov 14, 2009