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L-phenylalanine (LPA) serves as a building block for the various proteins that are produced in the body. L-phenylalanine can be converted to L-tyrosine and subsequently to L-dopa, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. L-phenylalanine can also be converted (through a separate pathway) to phenylethylamine, a substance that occurs naturally in the brain and appears to elevate mood.
D-phenylalanine (DPA) is not normally found in the body and cannot be converted to L-tyrosine, L-dopa, or norepinephrine. As a result, DPA is converted primarily to phenylethylamine (a potential mood elevator). DPA also appears to influence certain chemicals in the brain that relate to pain sensation.
DLPA is a mixture of the essential amino acid LPA and its mirror image DPA. LPA is found in most foods that contain protein. DPA does not normally occur in food, but when synthesized in the laboratory, half appears as LPA and half as DPA. The combination supplement (DLPA) is often used because both components exert different health-enhancing effects.
Although rare, individuals whose diets are very low in protein may develop a deficiency of L-phenylalanine. Benefits of supplementation are typically achieved in the absence of an outright deficiency.
DLPA has been used in amounts ranging from 75 to 1,500mg per day. Consistent toxicity in healthy people has not been reported with 1,500mg per day or less of DLPA, except for occasional nausea, heartburn, or transient headaches.
This compound can have powerful effects on mood and on the nervous system, and therefore DLPA should be taken only under medical supervision.
People with phenylketonuria must not supplement phenylalanine. Some research suggests that tardive dyskinesia patients may process phenylalanine abnormally. Until more is known, it makes sense for people with this condition to avoid phenylalanine supplementation.
Since DLPA competes with other amino acids for attachment on a common amino acid carrier in the body, it should not be taken with protein containing foods. Individuals taking prescription or over-the-counter medications should consult a physician before taking DLPA.
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L-Phenylalanine can help with the following: | | | | | Aging |  Parkinson's Disease | D-phenylalanine (DPA) may be helpful for some individuals with Parkinson’s disease. [Arzneimittelforsch 26: pp.577-9, 1976] |
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Autoimmune |
 Vitiligo| | A recommended dosage is usually 2 to 3gm daily, depending on the severity of the vitiligo. For best absorption, L-phenylalanine should be taken in between meals. |
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Mental |
Depression| | Phenylalanine can affect depression via three separate pathways.- D-phenylalanine (DPA) exerts antidepressant activity due to its metabolism to phenylethylamine (PEA).
- DPA inhibits the breakdown of the body's endogenous opiates thus producing a state of euphoria.
- Phenylalanine is an important precursor for the production of noradrenaline and adrenaline thus increasing the body's ability to cope with stress.
A number of double-blind clinical trials have demonstrated that dosages of DLPA, the form commonly found in supplements, at doses as low as 150mg per day is effective in the treatment of some forms of depression. |
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Musculo-Skeletal |
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis| | D-phenylalanine (DPA) has been used to treat the chronic pain of osteoarthritis with both positive and negative results. |
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Pain |
Low Back Pain| | The brain responds to pain signals by producing and activating morphine-like hormones called endorphins. This pain relief effect lasts for about 30 hours (longer than known analgesics), and without side-effects when given frequently. It was discovered that d- and dl-Phenylalanine (DLPA), but not l-Phenylalanine, inhibit several of the enzymes responsible for endorphin destruction. DLPA appears to restore endorphin levels to a normal range, while simultaneously producing a reduction in pain. It often equals or exceeds morphine or other opiate derivatives in its effect and is non-addictive. Start with 500mg qd and work up to 3-4gm qd. This is a precursor for epinephrine and phenylethylamine (PEA). PEA has amphetamine-like stimulant properties. Chocolate contains high levels of PEA. |
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help |
GLOSSARY
Adrenaline (Epinephrin, Epinephrine)
A hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla that is released into the bloodstream in response to physical or mental stress, as from fear or injury. It initiates many bodily responses, including the stimulation of heart action and an increase in blood pressure, metabolic rate, and blood glucose concentration.
Amino Acid (Amino Acids)
An organic acid containing nitrogen chemical building blocks that aid in the production of protein in the body. Eight of the twenty-two known amino acids are considered "essential," and must be obtained from dietary sources because the body can not synthesize them.
Antidepressant (Antidepressants)
Literally, substances meant to oppose depressions or sadness, and generally heterocyclic types such as Elavil, MAO inhibitors like phenelzine, or lithium carbonate. This category of substances formerly included stuff like amphetamines and other stimulants. Botanical examples include Hypericum, Peganum and Oplopanax.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
DLPA
D.L-Phenylalanine: A 50-50 mixture of d-phenylalanine and l-phenylalanine. May help alleviate chronic pain by increasing endorphin activity (the body s natural painkillers).
Dyskinesia
A condition characterized by spasmodic, uncoordinated, or other abnormal movements; i.e., those which result from a reaction to phenothiazines.
Endogenous
From within the body, either a native function or the product of the extended colony. Normal flora in the colon are considered endogenous.
Endorphins (Endorphin)
Natural polypeptide opiate-like substances in the brain. One function of endorphins is the suppression of pain.
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Nausea
Symptoms resulting from an inclination to vomit.
Nervous System
A system in the body that is comprised of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, ganglia and parts of the receptor organs that receive and interpret stimuli and transmit impulses to effector organs.
Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine)
Norepinephrine. A catecholamine hormone secreted from the adrenal medulla and post-ganglionic adrenergic fibers in response to hypotension or emotional stress.
Osteoarthritis (Osteoarthritic)
A condition involving degeneration of cartilage and supporting joint tissue, which results in pain, swelling and reduced mobility, as the cartilage wears away and allows bone to rub against bone.
Over-The-Counter (OTC, Over The Counter)
A drug or medication that can legally be bought without a doctor's prescription being required.
Phenylalanine
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.
Phenylketonuria
An inherited disease caused by a lack of an enzyme necessary for converting phenylalanine into a form the body can use.
Precursor (Precursors)
A biochemical substance, such as an intermediate compound in a chain of enzymatic reactions, from which a more stable or definitive product is formed.
Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.
QD
Once a day.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A long-term, destructive connective tissue disease that results from the body rejecting its own tissue cells (autoimmune reaction).
Last updated: May 11, 2008
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