Phenylalanine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and more
Phenylalanine is an essential aromatic amino acid that is a precursor of melanin, dopamine, noradrenalin (norepinephrine), and thyroxine.
Used by the brain to produce Norepinephrine, a chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells and the brain; keeps you awake and alert; reduces hunger pains; functions as an antidepressant and helps improve memory.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Trade Name | Phenylalanine |
| Generic | Phenylalanine |
| Phenylalanine Other Names | Fenilalanina, L-Phenylalanine, Phenylalanine, Phenylalaninum |
| Type | |
| Formula | C9H11NO2 |
| Weight | Average: 165.1891 Monoisotopic: 165.078978601 |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational, Nutraceutical |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | |
| Last Updated: | January 7, 2025 at 1:49 am |
Uses
Phenylalanine is an amino acid commonly found as a component of total parenteral nutrition.
L-phenylalanine may be helpful in some with depression. It may also be useful in the treatment of vitiligo. There is some evidence that L-phenylalanine may exacerbate tardive dyskinesia in some schizophrenic patients and in some who have used neuroleptic drugs.
Phenylalanine is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Amino acid supplementation
How Phenylalanine works
The supposed antidepressant effects of L-phenylalanine may be due to its role as a precursor in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. Elevated brain norepinephrine and dopamine levels are thought to be associated with antidepressant effects.
The mechanism of L-phenylalanine's possible antivitiligo activity is not well understood. It is thought that L-phenylalanine may stimulate the production of melanin in the affected skin
Toxicity
L-phenylalanine will exacerbate symptoms of phenylketonuria if used by phenylketonurics. L-phenylalanine was reported to exacerbate tardive dyskinesia when used by some with schizophrenia.
Elimination Route
Absorbed from the small intestine by a sodium dependent active transport process.
