What is Phenylalanine?

Phenylalanine is a large neutral amino acid necessary for normal growth and development and is required for protein synthesis in humans. Phenylalanine is metabolized into acetoacetic acid and fumaric acid via tyrosine. A tyrosine metabolite, DOPA, is converted into the neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine. A lack of these neurotransmitters is a causal factor in Parkinson disease and schizophrenia.

Phenylalanine is a precursor for the amino acid tyrosine, which is essential for making neurotransmitters (e.g. epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine) and thyroid hormone. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that communicate between nerve cells in the brain. It can relieve pain, alleviate depression, and suppress the appetite. Low levels may indicate a stressful lifestyle, leading to memory loss, fatigue, and depression.

Low levels:

Low phenylalanine may be due to a stressful lifestyle and lead to symptoms of hypothyroidism and chronic fatigue. Low levels can result in altered thyroid function and catecholamine deficits including symptoms of depression, cognitive disorders, memory loss, fatigue, and autonomic dysfunction. Reduce lifestyle stressors and supplement phenylalanine.

High levels:

High levels of phenylalanine may be due to excessive protein intake or a metabolic block in the conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine. Iron, vitamin C, and niacin are necessary for this enzymatic step. Check tyrosine level and, if low, supplement tyrosine and iron.

In rare cases, high phenylalanine build up in the body can also be due to an inherited disorder called Phenylketonuria. It is caused by a defect in the gene that helps create the enzyme needed to break down phenylalanine.

References:

-https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/phenylketonuria/symptoms-causes/syc-20376302

-https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1096719213003363

-https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123749277000066

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