Also indexed as: D,L-Phenylalanine, DLPA, DPA, L-Phenylalanine,
LPA
What are they?
L-phenylalanine (LPA) serves as a building block for the various proteins that are produced
in the body. LPA can be converted to L-tyrosine (another amino acid) and subsequently to L-dopa, norepinephrine, and
epinephrine. LPA can also be converted (through a separate pathway) to phenylethylamine, a
substance that occurs naturally in the brain and appears to elevate mood.
D-phenylalanine (DPA) is not normally found in the body and cannot be converted to
L-tyrosine, L-dopa, or norepinephrine. As a result, DPA is converted primarily to
phenylethylamine (the potential mood elevator). DPA also appears to influence certain
chemicals in the brain that relate to pain sensation.
DLPA is a mixture of LPA and its mirror image DPA. DLPA (or the D- or L-form alone) has
been used to treat depression.1
2 DPA may be helpful for some people with
Parkinson’s disease3 and has been used to treat chronic
pain—including pain from osteoarthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis—with both
positive4 and negative5 results. No research has evaluated the
effectiveness of DLPA on rheumatoid arthritis.
Where are they found?
LPA is found in most foods that contain protein. DPA does not normally occur in food.
However, when phenylalanine is synthesised in the laboratory, half appears in the L-form and
the other half in the D-form. These two compounds can also be synthesised individually, but it
is more expensive to do so. The combination supplement (DLPA) is often used because of the
lower cost and because both components exert different health-enhancing effects.
Phenylalanine has been
used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the
individual health concern for complete information):
Who is likely to be deficient?
People whose diets are very low in protein may develop a deficiency of LPA, although this
is believed to be very uncommon. However, one does not necessarily have to be deficient in LPA
in order to benefit from a DLPA supplement.
How much is usually taken?
DLPA has been used in amounts ranging from 75–1,500 mg per day. This compound can
have powerful effects on mood and on the nervous system, and therefore DLPA should be taken
only under medical supervision. LPA has been used in amounts up to 3.5 grams per day. For best
results, phenylalanine should be taken between meals, because the protein present in food can
interfere with the uptake of phenylalanine into the brain, potentially reducing its
effect.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
The maximum amount of DLPA that is safe is unknown. However, consistent toxicity in healthy
people has not been reported with 1,500 mg per day or less of DLPA, except for occasional
nausea, heartburn, or transient headaches.
When 100 mg of LPA per 2.2 pounds body weight or more was given to animals, a variety of
complex problems occurred, leading two researchers to have concerns about potential toxicity
of high amounts in humans.6 While these concerns were directed at LPA specifically,
they are likely to be equally applicable to DLPA. Although no serious adverse effects have
been reported in humans taking phenylalanine, amounts greater than 1,500 mg per day should be
supervised by a doctor.
People with phenylketonuria must not
supplement with phenylalanine.
Some research suggests that people with tardive
dyskinesia may process phenylalanine abnormally. Until more is known, it makes sense for
people with this condition to avoid phenylalanine supplementation.
LPA competes with several other amino acids for
uptake into the body and the brain. Therefore, for best results, phenylalanine should be taken
between meals, or away from protein-containing foods. People taking prescription or
over-the-counter medications should consult a physician before taking DLPA.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with phenylalanine.
References
1. Sabelli HC. Clinical studies on the phenylethylamine hypothesis of
affective disorder: urine and blood phenylacetic acid and phenylalanine dietary supplements.
J Clin Psychiatry 1986;47:66–70.
2. Fischer E, Heller B, Nachon M, Spatz H. Therapy of depression by
phenylalanine. Arzneimittelforschung 1975;25:132.
3. Heller B, Fischer E, Martin R. Therapeutic action of D-phenylalanine
in Parkinson’s disease. Arzneimittelforschung 1976;26:577–9.
4. Budd K. Use of D-phenylalanine, an enkephalinase inhibitor, in the
treatment of intractable pain. Adv Pain Res Ther 1983;5:305–8.
5. Anonymous. Phenylalanine fails to help chronic back pain patients.
Fam Pract News 1987;17:37.
6. Burkhart CG, Burkhart CN. Phenylalanine with UVA for the treatment of
vitiligo needs more testing for possible side effects. J Am Acad Dermatol
1999;40:1015 [letter].
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2005.
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.