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L-phenylalanine
DESCRIPTION
L- & DL-Phenylalanine
L-phenylalanine is an essential
amino acid, which means the body needs a regular dietary supply
of it. DL-phenylalanine (DLPA) is a mixture of the naturally
occurring L- form together with the mirror image D- form of
phenylalanine. Whilst D- form Amino Acids do not normally
have uses in the human body, D-phenylalanine is a notable
exception.
FUNCTIONS
L-phenylalanine is a component
of dietary proteins and is also the precursor of many non-essential
Amino Acids in the body. A number of neurotransmitters (brain
chemicals) are derived from L-phenylalanine; this amino acid
also stimulates the release of a hormone that controls the
appetite.
D-phenylalanine has certain
unique properties, the major one of which is Pain relief.
D-phenylalanine is thought to be able to relieve pain by slowing
the breakdown of the body’s own morphine-like pain killing
substances called endorphins.
Endorphins also have a slight
euphoric effect and are thought to be produced after eating
- hence the desire to binge in many depressed people.
SUPPLEMENTAL USES
Depression
L-phenylalanine may be taken in supplement form as a mild
anti-depressant, to generally lift the mood and increase mental
alertness. L-phenylalanine is able to have this effect by
stimulating the production of certain excitatory neurotransmitters
(1).
Appetite Control
Practical experience has shown that L-phenylalanine may be
taken to help suppress the appetite in people who generally
eat too much for their needs and who are obese.
Pain
The combination supplement DLPA can help to relieve chronic
prolonged pain, for example the pain of Arthritis (1).
For people with food cravings,
DLPA supplements can also be very useful, because endorphins
stimulated by DLPA bring a feeling of satisfaction and decrease
the desire to binge.
The uses of L-phenylalanine
and DLPA obviously overlap quite a lot, but in the case of
pain or food cravings (as opposed to sheer over-eating) DLPA
is the supplement of choice.
SAFETY
Up to 6g per day of L-phenylalanine
or DLPA per day is regarded safe, but only 500-1500mg per
day is normally recommended for self-administration. Higher
levels should be taken under medical supervision.
INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
MAO inhibitor anti-depressant
drugs
L-Phenylalanine and DLPA should not be taken by those on MAO
inhibitor anti-depressant drugs.
Both Amino Acids should
also be avoided by pregnant women, schizophrenics and those
with high blood pressure.
REFERENCES
1. "The Healing Nutrients
Within", E R Braverman & C C Pfeiffer, Keats, 1987.
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