| |
Sep 05,2008
Chemical Properties: Aromatic (Aromatic R-group)
Physical Properties: Nonpolar
Phenylalanine, an essential amino acid, is a derivative of alanine with a phenyl substituent on the β carbon. Phenylalanine is quite hydrophobic and even the free amino acid is not very soluble in water.
It is an interesting point of history that Marshall Nirenberg and Phil Leder in their earliest experiments were studying the translation of the synthetic message polyU, which encodes polyphenylalanine. It was a happy coincidence that the product was insoluble. At the time, they did not know that UUU encodes Phe, but soon after the precipitate formed in their translation mix, they did, and they were on the way to unraveling the genetic code, and the Nobel prize.
Due to its hydrophobicity, phenylalanine is nearly always found buried within a protein. The ∏ electrons of the phenyl ring can stack with other aromatic systems and often do within folded proteins, adding to the stability of the structure.
Phenylalanine amino acid information page
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that is also one of the aromatic amino acids that exhibit ultraviolet radiation absorption properties and is the most commonly found aromatic amino acid.
It can be converted in the body to tyrosine, which in turn is used to synthesize two important neurotransmitters - dopamine and norepinephrine. It is available in three different forms - L-, D- and DL-. The L- form is the most common and the type in which it is incorporated into the body's proteins. The D- form acts as a painkiller and the DL- a combination of the two.
Phenylalanine is required for
It is used in elevating the mood since it is so closely involved with the nervous system, as well as help with memory and learning and has been used as an appetite suppressant.
People suffering from Parkinson's disease It is DLPA (or the D- or L-form alone) is used to treat depression and the D form may also be helpful in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and chronic pain in both osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis with mixed results Increases blood levels of norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine - all three required for neurotransmission.
Deficiency of phenylalanine
Dietary deficiency is rare but symptoms may include lethargy, edema, weakness, skin lesions as well as liver damage and slow growth. A deficiency in diet would only occur with an extremely low protein intake.
Dosage
The dosage listed is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
Pregnant women, people suffering from anxiety attacks, high blood pressure, diabetes and phenylketonuria, should NOT take it. DLPA supplements may interact with certain antidepressants or stimulants. Please consult your medical professional.
The daily dosage is unknown but supplements are taken at about 14 mg per kilogram of body weight per day - which would translate to about 980 mg for a 70 kg male, but since it has powerful mood altering effects, only use under medical supervision.
Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
Toxicity is rare in dietary intake but large amounts in supplement form may play havoc with your blood pressure and cause headaches, nausea and heartburn. Large amounts of this nutrient may also cause nerve damage.
Some people cannot metabolize phenylalanine and should not take supplementation of this amino acid.
When more may be required
This nutrient could prove of benefit to people suffering from Parkinson's disease, tiredness, depression, busy with alcohol withdrawal, rheumatoid arthritis, osteo arthritis and vitiligo.
Food sources of phenylalanine
It is contained in most protein rich foods but good sources are found in dairy products, almonds, avocados, lima beans, peanuts and seeds.
- Tyrosine production for neurological health and thyroid function.
- Elevating Catecholamine neurotransmitters - deficient in depression.
- Neurological health pertaining to MS and Parkinson's Disease.
- Appetite suppression & obesity control.
- Increasing deficient neurotransmitters, which increases appetite for Anorexics.
|
|
