L-Phenylalanine

Absorption

Absorbed from the small intestine by a sodium dependent active transport process.

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.

The Uses of L-Phenylalanine

L-Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid. L-Phenylalanine is biologically converted into L-tyrosine, another one of the DNA-encoded amino acids, which in turn is converted to L-DOPA and further conv erted into dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. L-Phenylalanine is produced for medical, feed, and nutritional applications such as in the preparation of Aspartame.

Background

Phenylalanine is an essential aromatic amino acid that is a precursor of melanin, dopamine, noradrenalin (norepinephrine), and thyroxine.

Indications

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.

Pharmacokinetics

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.

Metabolism

Hepatic. L-phenylalanine that is not metabolized in the liver is distributed via the systemic circulation to the various tissues of the body, where it undergoes metabolic reactions similar to those that take place in the liver.