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What is Phenylalanine?

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that occurs as a constituent of many proteins and is normally converted to tyrosine in the body. Phenylalanine exists in two forms, the D- and L- forms. L-phenylalanine is an electrically neutral amino acid found in proteins, coded for by DNA, D-phenylalanine (DPA), can be synthesized artificially.

What does in the body?

D-phenylalanine may help reduce chronic pain associated with certain health conditions by stimulating nerve pathways in the brain that control pain. D-phenylalanine may improve rigidity, walking disabilities, speech difficulties, and depression associated with Parkinson's disease.

Research shows that combining L-phenylalanine with UVA radiation for people with vitiligo (a condition characterized by irregular depigmentation or white patches of skin) may lead to some darkening or repigmentation of the whitened areas, particularly on the face.

Other beneficial effects of phenylalanine include improvement in mood by enhancing the production of brain chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine. But, further research is needed to confirm this benefit.

Where is it Found?

Protein foods such as poultry, meats, soybeans, fish, dairy products, nuts, and seeds are rich in L-phenylalanine. D-phenylalanine is much less common in foods.

Symptoms of deficiency/Side Effects

Dietary deficiency is rare but symptoms may include lethargy, edema, weakness, skin lesions as well as liver damage and slow growth. A deficiency in diet would only occur with very an extremely low protein intake.