L-Phenylalanine

L-Phenylalanine, provided by Douglas Laboratories, supplies 500 mg of pure L-Phenylalanine in each capsule.

FUNCTIONS
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid found primarily in high protein sources such as meat and eggs, it plays an important role in regulating the nervous system. L-Phenylalanine can be used to metabolize two distinct chemicals, Phenylethylamine and Tyrosine. Phenylethylamine is a neuroamine which may have regulating effects in mood and feelings of well-being.

Tyrosine is an important amino acid used to produce certain neurotransmitters, including dopamine,
epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).

The synthesis of these neurotransmitters is limited by the rate of tyrosine entry from plasma into the brain. L-Tyrosine is a conditionally essential amino
acid that can be manufactured by the body from the essential amino acid phenylalanine. Therefore, adequate tyrosine production depends on a sufficient supply of phenylalanine in the diet.

Phenylalanine may increase euphoria and drive, and help with depression in some patients. However, we still don’t know exactly how it does this [R].

D-Phenylalanine supplements (75-200 mg/day) improved depression in 12 of 20 patients over the course of 20 days. At the end of 20 days, twelve of the patients were discharged without needing any further treatment [R].

Of the remaining eight patients, four showed mild to moderate antidepressant responses to the treatment, while the remaining 4 patients showed little to no improvement [R].

Phenylalanine is the direct precursor of tyrosine in the human body [R].

Tyrosine can then be converted into dopamine. Dopamine plays an important part in many different physiological processes such as in pain perception and the reward system of the brain [R, R].

Most people who take phenylalanine supplements find that it increases energy in a stimulating way, similar to the effect of coffee. The consensus seems to be that it helps them power through the day, even when their brains are feeling slow or tired. They also tend to eat less because the supplement reduces hunger and food cravings [R, R].

Those that take the supplement for depression say that it makes them feel more energetic, which helps them go about their everyday tasks [R, R].

Although the supplement provided more energy, most users don’t experience other stimulatory effects of dopamine (such as risk-taking) [R].

Many core symptoms of depression, such as depressed mood, agitation, and retardation

INDICATIONS
L-Phenylalanine may be a useful dietary adjunct for individuals wishing to supplement their diet with this
essential amino acid.

Each Capsule contains:
L-Phenylalanine ……………………………………………………………………………………… 500mg

SUGGESTED USE
Adults take 1 capsule daily or as directed by healthcare professional.

SIDE EFFECTS
No adverse side effects have been reported.

STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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