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Phenylalanine belongs to the group of essential amino acids. It is the building block for the production of proteins such as insulin, papain, and melanin. In addition, it promotes the elimination of metabolic products by the liver and kidneys. It also plays an important role in improving the secretory function of the pancreas.
Phenylalanine rich foods:
General characteristics of phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is an aromatic amino acid that is part of proteins, and is also available in the body in free form. From phenylalanine, the body forms a new, very important amino acid tyrosine.
For humans, phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, since it is not produced by the body on its own, but is supplied to the body along with food. This amino acid has 2 main forms – L and D.
The L-shape is the most common. It is part of the proteins of the human body. The D-form is an excellent analgesic. There is also a mixed LD-form with combined properties. The LD form is sometimes prescribed as dietary supplements for PMS.
Daily need for phenylalanine
- up to 2 months, phenylalanine is required in an amount of 60 mg / kg;
- up to 6 months – 55 mg / kg;
- up to 1 year – 45-35 mg / kg;
- up to 1,5 years – 40-30 mg / kg;
- up to 3 years – 30-25 mg / kg;
- up to 6 years – 20 mg / kg;
- children and adults over 6 years old – 12 mg / kg.
The need for phenylalanine is increasing:
- with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS);
- depression;
- alcoholism and other forms of addiction;
- premenstrual tension syndrome (PMS);
- migraine;
- vitiligo;
- in infancy and preschool age;
- with intoxication of the body;
- with insufficient secretory function of the pancreas.
The need for phenylalanine is reduced:
- with organic lesions of the central nervous system;
- with chronic heart failure;
- with phenylketonuria;
- with radiation sickness;
- during pregnancy;
- diabetes;
- high blood pressure.
Phenylalanine absorption
In a healthy person, phenylalanine is well absorbed. When eating foods rich in phenylalanine, you should be careful with those people who have a hereditary disorder of amino acid metabolism, called phenylketonuria.
As a result of this disease, phenylalanine is unable to convert to tyrosine, which has a negative effect on the entire nervous system and the brain in particular. At the same time, phenylalanine dementia, or Felling’s disease, develops.
Fortunately, phenylketonuria is a hereditary disease that can be overcome. This is achieved with the help of a special diet and special treatment prescribed by a doctor.
Useful properties of phenylalanine and its effect on the body:
Once in our body, phenylalanine is able to help not only in the production of protein, but also in a number of diseases. It is good for chronic fatigue syndrome. Provides quick recovery of vigor and clarity of thinking, strengthens memory. Acts as a natural pain reliever. That is, with a sufficient content of it in the body, the sensitivity to pain is significantly reduced.
Helps restore normal skin pigmentation. It is used for attention disorders, as well as for hyperactivity. Under certain conditions, it is converted into the amino acid tyrosine, which in turn is the basis of two neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine. Thanks to them, memory improves, libido increases, and the ability to learn increases.
In addition, phenylalanine is the starting material for the synthesis of phenylethylamine (the substance responsible for the feeling of love), as well as epinephrine, which improves mood.
Phenylalanine is also used to reduce appetite and reduce cravings for caffeine. It is used for migraines, muscle cramps in the arms and legs, postoperative pain, rheumatoid arthritis, neuralgia, pain syndromes and Parkinson’s disease.
Interaction with other elements
Once in our body, phenylalanine interacts with compounds such as water, digestive enzymes, and other amino acids. As a result, tyrosine, norepinephrine and phenylethylamine are formed. In addition, phenylalanine can interact with fats.
Signs of a lack of phenylalanine in the body:
- weakening of memory;
- Parkinson’s disease;
- depressive state;
- chronic pain;
- loss of muscle mass and dramatic weight loss;
- discoloration of hair.
Signs of excess phenylalanine in the body:
- overexcitation of the nervous system;
- memory loss;
- violation of the activity of the entire nervous system.
Factors affecting the content of phenylalanine in the body:
The systematic consumption of foods containing phenylalanine and the absence of hereditary Felling’s disease are two main factors that play a major role in providing the body with this amino acid.
Phenylalanine for beauty and health
Phenylalanine is also called the good mood amino acid. And a person in a good mood always attracts the views of others, distinguished by special attractiveness. In addition, some people use phenylalanine to reduce unhealthy food cravings and get slimmer.
A sufficient amount of phenylalanine in the body gives the hair a rich color. And by giving up the regular use of coffee, and replacing it with phenylalanine-containing products, you can improve your complexion and strengthen your health.