Is Phenylalanine Bad for You?

Phenylalanine is an alpha essential amino acid, meaning that it must be taken in through the diet to get enough. It is associated with high-protein foods and is also found in soda (pop), where it is part of the chemical structure of aspartame, an artificial sweetener. The labeling on diet soda can be confusing to the average consumer, as it contains the warning: "Phenylketonurics: contains phenylalanine." This warning label is for a specific kind of consumer, who has an inherited condition called phenylketonuria, which causes the body to be unable to use phenylalanine. This article will help you determine the risks and effects of phenylalanine.

Features

Phenylalanine is a necessary nutrient for the human body, and it occurs naturally in high-protein foods; it is also found in breast milk. Because phenylalanine is found in high-protein foods, people who have phenylketonuria (PKU) are put on a low-protein diet. Natural phenylalanine is called L-phenylalanine, and artificially synthesized phenylalanine is D-phenylalanine. A mixture of the two is called DL-phenylalanine.

Function

Phenylalanine is used by the human body in the process of making proteins, brain chemicals and hormones. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the use of phenylalanine is accomplished by converting the chemical into tyrosine, which is a precursor to many chemicals. Due to the wide number of functions of phenylalanine, a deficiency can lead to symptoms like confusion, lethargy and depression.

Effects

Phenylketonurics, people who have inherited an autosomal recessive disorder which causes the body to be unable to use phenylalanine, develop very serious brain problems as a result of the consumption of phenylalanine. Phenylketonurics are unable to convert phenylalanine into tyrosine; instead, the chemical is, according to information from the University of Chicago, converted into phenylpyruvate, a buildup of which can lead to brain problems up to and including mental retardation. Because of the serious effects phenylketonuria can have on those afflicted, all newborns in the United States are screened for the disease.

Benefits

Natural phenylalanine is used in a number of products touted for their health benefits. L-phenylalanine is a noted analgesic (pain reliever), while D-phenylalanine has been shown to have antidepressant effects; this is especially true for depression sufferers who have Parkinson's disease. A blend of the two forms of phenylalanine is used to treat both kinds of symptoms.

Misconceptions

Naturally occurring phenylalanine has been shown to have no ill effects in people who do not suffer from phenylketonuria. However, aspartame, which contains phenylalanine, has been demonstrated to have a number of detrimental health effects, including aspartame poisoning and other brain and neurological problems. It can be dangerous even in people who do not suffer from phenylketonuria.