DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) is a combination of two isomeric forms of phenylalanine, the D form and the L form. Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, meaning the body cannot produce it and must obtain it through the diet. . This amino acid is essential for the production of several neurotransmitters in the brain.
Why is it considered a nootropic? DL-Phenylalanine is considered a nootropic because it can influence the production and availability of key neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These neurotransmitters are essential for maintaining mood, motivation, attention, and overall cognitive function.
Mechanism of action:
- The L form of phenylalanine is a direct precursor of tyrosine, another amino acid that in turn is a precursor of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.
- Form D works by inhibiting enzymes that break down endorphins and enkephalins, neurotransmitters that are involved in pain and mood modulation.
Benefits of DL-Phenylalanine:
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Improved Mood:
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Natural Antidepressant: DLPA has been shown to be effective in improving mood in some people with symptoms of mild to moderate depression. It stimulates the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in regulating mood.
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Emotional resilience: By balancing neurotransmitters, it can help improve a person's ability to deal with stress and negative emotions.
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Pain relief:
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Endorphin Booster: The D form of phenylalanine inhibits the action of enzymes that break down endorphins, which are the body's natural pain relievers. This can result in a reduction in pain, especially in chronic conditions.
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Headaches and Migraines: Some studies have indicated that DLPA may be beneficial for those who suffer from frequent headaches or migraines by balancing the neurotransmitters involved in these conditions.
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Increased Energy and Motivation:
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Natural Stimulation: By influencing dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and motivation, DLPA can provide an increase in energy and motivation without the side effects of traditional stimulants.
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Fights Fatigue: By improving the production and utilization of key neurotransmitters, DLPA can help combat feelings of fatigue or lethargy.
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Support for Attention and Concentration:
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Cognitive Enhancement: By optimizing the availability of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, DLPA can enhance sustained attention and concentration.
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Memory: Although more research is needed, there are indications that DLPA may play a role in improving short-term memory and retention.
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Anxiety Reduction:
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Neurochemical Balance: By balancing neurotransmitters in the brain, DLPA can help relieve symptoms of anxiety and nervousness.
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Stress Response: Helps in modulating the body's response to stress, possibly by influencing the way the brain processes stressful situations.
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Support in Eating Disorders: Some preliminary studies have suggested that DLPA may be beneficial in the treatment of certain eating disorders by balancing neurotransmitters that regulate appetite and satiety.
It is important to note that while DL-Phenylalanine has many potential benefits, the effects may vary from person to person. Additionally, it is always essential to do thorough research and consult a health professional before starting any supplement.
Absorption: DL-Phenylalanine is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after meals. Consume with water and avoid taking with protein, as it may compete with other amino acids for absorption.
Adverse Effects and Contraindications:
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Adverse Effects: Side effects are generally mild, but may include nausea, headache, and heartburn.
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Contraindications: Not recommended for use in people with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition in which the body cannot process phenylalanine), hypertension, people taking MAO inhibitors (antidepressant medications), and pregnant or lactating women.
More information about ALA and its dosage: https://nootropicsexpert.com/phenylalanine/
References on studies:
[i] Slominski A., Zmijewski M., Pawelek J. “L-tyrosine and L-DOPA as hormone-like regulators of melanocyte functions” Pigment Cell Melanoma Research . 2012 Jan; 25(1): 14–27. ( source )
[ii] “Phenylalanine” University of Maryland Medical Center umm.edu/health ( source )
[iii] Hase A., Jung SE, aan het Rot M. “Behavioral and cognitive effects of tyrosine intake in healthy human adults.” Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior . 2015 Jun;133:1-6. ( source )
[iv] Meisburger SP, Taylor AB, Khan CA, Zhang S., Fitzpatrick PF, Ando N. “Domain Movements upon Activation of Phenylalanine Hydroxylase Characterized by Crystallography and Chromatography-Coupled Small-Angle X-ray Scattering.” Journal of the American Chemical Society . 2016 May 25;138(20):6506-16. ( source )
[v] Tavernier G. et. Al. “Norepinephrine Induces Lipolysis in β1/β2/β3-Adrenoceptor Knockout Mice” Molecular Pharmacology September 2005 vol. 68 no. 3 793-799 ( source )
[vi] Walsh NE, Ramamurthy S., Schoenfeld L., Hoffman J. “Analgesic effectiveness of D-phenylalanine in chronic pain patients.” Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation . 1986 Jul;67(7):436-9. ( source )
[vii] Beckmann H., Ludolph E. in German “[DL-phenylalanine as an antidepressant. Open study (author's transl)].” Arzneimittelforschung . 1978;28(8):1283-4. ( source )
[viii] Zavala M., Castejón HV, Ortega PA, Castejón OJ, Marcano de Hidalgo A., Montiel N. in Spanish “[Imbalance of plasma amino acids in patients with autism and subjects with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder].” Journal of Neurology . 2001 Sep 1-15;33(5):401-8. ( source )
[ix] Bornstein RA, Baker GB, Carroll A., King G., Wong JT, Douglass AB “Plasma amino acids in attention deficit disorder.” Psychiatry Research . 1990 Sep;33(3):301-6. ( source )
[x] Fischer E., Heller B., Nachon M., Spatz H. “Therapy of depression by phenylalanine. “Preliminary note.” Arzneimittelforschung . 1975 Jan;25(1):132. ( source )
[xi] Beckmann H., Strauss MA, Ludolph E. “Dl-phenylalanine in depressed patients: an open study.” Journal of Neural Transmission . 1977;41(2-3):123-34. ( source )
[xii] Wood DR, Reimherr FW, Wender PH “Treatment of attention deficit disorder with DL-phenylalanine.” Psychiatry Research . 1985 Sep;16(1):21-6. ( source )
[xiii] Zametkin AJ, Karoum F., Rapoport JL “Treatment of hyperactive children with D-phenylalanine.” American Journal of Psychiatry . 1987 Jun;144(6):792-4. ( source )
[xiv] “Phenylalanine” University of Maryland Medical Center umm.edu Retrieved July 7, 2016 ( source )