Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Phenylalanine

An essential amino acid that enhances alertness. It’s found in dairy products, avocados, legumes, nuts, leafy vegetables, whole grains, poultry and fish.

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An essential amino acid that occurs as a constituent of many proteins and is normally converted to tyrosine in the body.

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Phenylalanine is effective for weight control because of its effect on thyroid secretion. It also plays an important role in the control of appetite. If taken before meals, it suppresses the appetite substantially. This amino acid is also essential for the efficient functioning of the kidneys and the bladder.

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The long-term safety of phenylalanine in any of its forms is not known. Both L- and D-phenylalanine must be avoided by those with the rare metabolic disease phenylketonuria (PKU).


The maximum safe dosages of phenylalanine have not been established for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease.


There are some indications that the combined use of phenylalanine with antipsychotic drugs might increase the risk of developing the long-term side effect known as tardive dyskinesia, or worsen symptoms in those who already have it.  Like other amino acids, phenylalanine may interfere with the absorption or action of the drug levodopa, which is used for Parkinson's disease .

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