Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that occurs as a constituent of many proteins and is normally converted to tyrosine in the body. Phenylalanine is part of the composition of aspartame, a common sweetener found in prepared foods (particularly soft drinks, and gum). Phenylalanine exists in two forms, the D- and L- forms. It has a phenyl side chain. L-phenylalanine is an electrically neutral amino acid found in proteins, coded for by DNA. Its mirror image, D-phenylalanine (DPA), can be synthesized artificially. DL-phenylalanine refers to a racemic mixture consisting of 50% D-phenylalanine and 50% L-phenylalanine. L-phenylalanine is an essential protein amino acid. D-phenylalanine is the enantiomer of L-phenylalanine. D-phenylalanine is a nonprotein amino acid, meaning that it does not participate in protein biosynthesis.
Functions, uses, and health benefits
Phenylalanine is used to treated depression (elevates mood), rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis(decreases pain/inflammation), menstrual cramps, Parkinson's disease (improves speech and rigidity), vitiligo(a skin pigment disorder), and cancer growth). L-phenylalanine is associated with nervous states and has anti-depressant properties. Phenylalanine is part of certain hormones in the body which affect moods e.g., melanotropin and endorphins etc. Phenylalanine is used in different biochemical processes to produce neurotransmitters, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Norepinephrine is believed to be in short supply in the brains of people who are depressed. By taking in extra phenylalanine, it is hoped the brain will make more norepinephrine. L-phenylalanine can promote high blood pressure in those predisposed to hypertension. In the liver, l-phenylalanine is involved in a number of biochemical reactions, including protein synthesis, the formation of l-tyrosine and oxidative catabolic reactions.
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