- Main functions in the body
- What is phenylalanine for
- 1. Relieve chronic pain
- 2. Fight depression
- 3. Help you lose weight
- 4. Treat vitiligo stains
- 5. Help in the treatment of various diseases
- Foods that contain phenylalanine
- How Phenylalanine Intoxicates Phenylketonurics
Phenylalanine is a natural amino acid that is not produced by the body and, therefore, can only be obtained through food, especially through cheese and meat. This amino acid is very important for the formation of neurotransmitters, so it is able to improve memory, increase mental capacity and even improve mood.
In addition, it is believed that phenylalanine acts as a natural appetite suppressant and that when combined with exercise, it speeds up the mobilization of fats and can therefore be used in some diets to reduce weight.
Although it has all these benefits, there is a congenital metabolic disease called phenylketonuria, in which people with this disease are unable to metabolize this amino acid due to alteration due to an enzyme defect, which causes this amino acid to accumulate and is considered dangerous and toxic. to the brain. For this reason, phenylalanine should be excluded from the diet of these people, however, in healthy people, phenylalanine is not harmful and can be safely ingested both in food and as a supplement.
Main functions in the body
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid and part of the structure of the body's tissues and cells, since together with other amino acids it is responsible for the synthesis of proteins in the body
In addition, phenylalanine is also necessary for the production of other molecules, such as tyrosine, which is another amino acid that is part of tissue structures, and catecholamines, which are hormones produced by the adrenal glands, such as epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine, which are hormones responsible for regulating mood and the body's response to a stressful situation.
What is phenylalanine for
Phenylalanine serves to compose the cells of the human body, in addition to being an essential component of body tissues. Therefore, the consumption of phenylalanine has several health benefits, such as:
1. Relieve chronic pain
Phenylalanine has the ability to increase the levels of endorphins in the brain, which are substances that have a natural analgesic effect, reducing pain and discomfort, even if chronic.
However, phenylalanine does not treat the cause of the pain, so it is still important to see a doctor, even if the pain is improving.
2. Fight depression
Phenylalanine acts in the production of dopamine, a hormone that, when released in the body, promotes a feeling of well-being, pleasure, euphoria and happiness, improving mental disposition and combating the characteristic symptoms of depression.
Some studies have shown that during a depressive crisis, the levels of amino acids, with phenylalanine and tyrosine, are reduced. Therefore, its consumption during depressive episodes can be beneficial for the person, however more studies are needed to determine this benefit.
3. Help you lose weight
Consuming phenylalanine before engaging in physical activity apparently speeds up metabolism, helping to increase fat oxidation. It is recommended to supplement 1 to 2 grams of phenylalanine per day to promote weight loss, however, this supplementation should be carried out under the supervision of a nutritionist or a doctor.
In addition, phenylalanine acts in the formation of tyrosine and catecholamines, which are linked to appetite control, decreasing the feeling of hunger, in addition to improving mood, giving more energy to perform physical activities.
4. Treat vitiligo stains
By helping in the production of tyrosine, phenylalanine can sometimes be used to disguise vitiligo spots. This is because tyrosine is essential for the production of melanin, the substance that gives color to the skin and that is lacking in people with this disease.
Usually, treatment for vitiligo is done with oral supplementation of phenylalanine and exposure to UVA radiation. In addition, the application of creams with 10% L-phenylalanine also seems to increase the results, better hiding the spots.
5. Help in the treatment of various diseases
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid important for the formation of tyrosine, a substance that increases the production of several neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, allowing the balance of mental and psychological problems, such as bipolar disorder, attention deficit and illness. Parkinson's, however, more studies are needed to prove this benefit.
Foods that contain phenylalanine
The main sources of phenylalanine are meat and cheese, however, other foods that contain this amino acid include:
- Milk and dairy products; Soy foods; Seeds and nuts, such as peanuts, pumpkin seeds, chia or sunflower seeds; All types of fish; Eggs; Beans and lentils; Rice, potatoes, white bread, brown bread and manioc flour.
In addition, products with aspartame, which is used especially as a substitute for sugar in various candies and sweets, are also rich in phenylalanine. Check out other foods rich in phenylalanine.
How Phenylalanine Intoxicates Phenylketonurics
Phenylalanine hydroxylase is the name of the enzyme that metabolizes phenylalanine and converts it to tyrosine and that due to a genetic problem, phenylketonurics do not have it. When a person eats foods rich in this amino acid, it begins to accumulate in the bloodstream and becomes toxic, interfering with the development and maturation of the nervous system and producing irreversible lesions at the neurological level, such as mental retardation and microcephaly.
Phenylalanine should not be used when the person has phenylalanine, it is recommended that any food that contains more than 5% protein should not be consumed. Therefore, it is important to read the food label before consuming it.
