Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine is one of the eight essential amino acids and a precursor for phenyl ethylamine (PEA). PEA deficiency can produce depressions, which are unresponsive to tryptophan, 5-HTP, tyrosine, SAME or prescription antidepressants. High urinary PEA levels have been found in schizophrenics, while low levels have been found in depressed patients. Phenylalanine also is a tyrosine precursor, and tyrosine is a precursor to thyronine (thyroid hormone component) and dopamine. Phenylalanine may cause increased blood pressure, or pulse and should not be taken if you use monoamine oxidase inhibitors. (Beckmann, H., et. al., 1979) compared DL-Phenylalanine to imipramine, in a double blind study, of 40 depressed patients, for 30 days. No statistical difference was found, between the two treatments, on the Hamilton Depression Scale and the Bf-S self-rating questionnaire. Dosages used were 150-200 milligrams per day of DL-Phenylalanine or imipramine. Phenylalanine is available as D, L or DL Phenylalanine, but more commonly available as DL-Phenylalanine. D-Phenylalanine inhibits enkephalinase, which metabolizes enkephalins and endorphins and is used in some proprietary formulas to decrease pain and anxiety. L-Phenylalanine is the form used by the body to produce neurotransmitters and proteins. DL Phenylalanine is a mixture of D and L Phenylalanine.

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