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The information provided on the pages of this web site are intended as information only and are not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment by a physician or health care provider. The ideas and information on these pages are designed to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is provided for your nutritional and lifestyle educational purposes only, and is not meant to be relied upon as diagnostic information, recommendations or suggestions for health concerns and medical treatment. If you have a health concern, please seek advise from a physician or health care provider specialized in your area of concern. NeuroGenesis products are nutritional supplements and are covered under the Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), and as such are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration IMPORTANT: Nutritional supplements work best in conjunction with a healthy diet. Optimal health does not happen overnight, but requires a building process. Please be faithful to yourself and to your body by taking NeuroGenesis products on a regular, on-going basis.
PHENYLALANINE
Amino Acid Precursor to Dopamine and Norepinephrine
Toxicity
Schizophrenia like symptoms, voices “in your head”
Deficiency
Reduced pleasure, reduced ability to feel attachment and love, lack of remorse about actions
Neurotransmitter
Dopamine
Amino
Acid
(Building
block)
l-
phenylalanine
Genetics or Natural Depletion
Depleted by trauma. If mother and/or father had diminished dopamine this level can be passed on via genetics.
External/
Chemical Source of Depletion
Depleted by all stimulant drugs, Rx or otherwise. If stimulants, including nicotine and caffeine, used during pregnancy this can lower available dopamine in fetus.
Present in Foods
Phenylalanine can be found in lean beef, shellfish, fowl, soy products
What is Phenylalanine?
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid. It exists in two forms, a D and an L form. D-phenylalanine is the enantiomer (mirror image) of l-phenylalanine and is one of the few “d” form aminos that is pharmacologically activity. D-phenylalanine works to inhibit the enzymes that break down the “opioids” in the brain. Opioids are like endorphins and produce a sense of well-being and calm. If the enzymes that break them down are not as active due to the action of d-phenylalanine, then the opioids activity increases and the person has a greater sense of internal calm.
As a Precursor
L-phenylalanine is converted into another amino acid, l-tyrosine. L-tyrosine is converted into l-dopa before being further converted into the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.
D/L phenylalanine is a mixture of 50% l-phenylalanine and 50% d-phenylalanine.
Phenylalanine Deficiency
Too little phenylalanine may cause anhedonia (an inability to experience pleasure), confusion, emotional agitation, depression, decreased alertness and memory, inability to feel remorse for or recognize consequences of behavior and the lack of sympathy or connection. (See Amino Acid Facts: Precautions)
Before taking any nutritional supplement, including amino acids, please consult your health care provider first.