Phenylalanine is a natural amino acid that is not produced by the body and can therefore only be obtained by food, especially by cheese and meat, this amino acid is very important for the formation of neurotransmitters, so it is able to improve memory.increase mental capacity and even improve mood.
In addition, phenylalanine is believed to act as a natural appetite suppressant and, when combined with exercise, accelerates fat mobilization and can therefore be used in some diets to reduce weight.
- While it has all these benefits.
- There is a congenital metabolic disease called phenylketonuria.
- In which people with this disease are unable to metabolize this amino acid due to changes due to an enzyme defect.
- Which causes the accumulation of this amino acid.
- Considered dangerous and toxic.
- For the brain.
- For this reason.
- Phenylalanine should be excluded from the diet of these people.
- However.
- In healthy people.
- Phenylalanine is not harmful and can be safely ingested in both foods and supplement.
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid and is part of the structure of the body’s tissues and cells, since along with other amino acids, it is responsible for the synthesis of proteins in the body.
In addition, phenylalanine is also necessary for the production of other molecules, such as tyrosine, which is another amino acid that is part of tissue structures, and catecholamines, which are hormones produced by the adrenal glands, such as epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine.hormones responsible for regulating the body’s mood and response to a stressful situation.
Phenylalanine is used to form cells in the human body, as well as being an essential component of body tissues, so the consumption of phenylalanine has several health benefits, such as:
Phenylalanine has the ability to increase endorphin levels in the brain, which are substances that have a natural analgesic effect, reducing pain and discomfort, even if they are chronic.
However, phenylalanine does not treat the cause of the pain, so it is always important to see a doctor, even if the pain improves.
Phenylalanine acts in the production of dopamine, a hormone that, when released into the body, promotes a sense of well-being, pleasure, euphoria and happiness, improves mental disposition and combats the characteristic symptoms of depression.
Some studies have shown that amino acid levels are reduced during a depressive attack, along with phenylalanine and tyrosine, so their consumption during depressive episodes may be beneficial for the person, but more studies are needed to determine this benefit.
Consumption of phenylalanine before physical activity apparently accelerates metabolism, contributing to an increase in fat oxidation.It is recommended to supplement 1 to 2 grams of phenylalanine per day to promote weight loss, however, this supplementation should be done under the supervision of a nutritionist or physician.
In addition, phenylalanine acts in the formation of tyrosine and catecholamines, which are linked to appetite control, decreasing the feeling of hunger, in addition to improving mood, giving more energy to perform physical activities.
By helping to produce tyrosine, phenylalanine can sometimes be used to mask vitiligo stains.In fact, tyrosine is essential for the production of melanin, the substance that gives color to the skin and that people with this disease lack.
Treatment of vitiligo is usually done with oral phenylalanine supplementation and exposure to UVA rays.In addition, the application of 10% L-Phenylalanine creams also seems to increase results, better masking stains.
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid important for the formation of tyrosine, a substance that increases the production of various neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, allowing the balance of mental and psychological problems, such as bipolar disorder, attention deficit and Parkinson’s disease, however, more studies are needed to demonstrate this benefit.
The main sources of phenylalanine are meat and cheese.However, other foods that contain this amino acid include:
In addition, products with aspartame, which is used in particular as a substitute for sugar in various sweets and sweets, are also rich in phenylalanine.Discover other foods rich in phenylalanine.
Phenylalanine hydroxylase is the name of the enzyme that metabolizes phenylalanine and converts it into tyrosine and due to a genetic problem, phenylketonurates do not. When a person eats foods rich in this amino acid, it begins to accumulate in the bloodstream and becomes toxic., interfering with the development and maturation of the nervous system and causing irreversible neurological damage, such as mental retardation and microcephaly.
Phenylalanine should not be used when a person is taking phenylalanine and it is recommended not to consume any food containing more than 5% protein, so it is important to read the food label before ingesting it.