PureBulk

Click to Enlarge Unit Weight: 1500 grams Unit Volume: 2080 cc Click to Enlarge Certificate of Analysis Click to Enlarge Volumetric Equivalents

What is L-Phenylalanine?

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that is necessary for the normal functioning of the central nervous system. It has been used successfully to treat and manage symptoms of depression and chronic pain, as well as other diseases linked to a malfunctioning central nervous system. Phenylalanine occurs as a constituent of many proteins and is normally converted to tyrosine in the body. Phenylalanine is especially potent and helpful for treating brain disorders because it is able to permeate the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier is a protective shield formed by the red blood cells and the tissue of the brain that protects the brain from any toxins, bacteria, and viruses, etc.that are being transported through the bloodstream. Only compounds and substances that are able to penetrate this barrier can directly affect brain function.

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, which means it must be derived from dietary sources. L-phenylalanine is available in most products that contain protein such as beef, poultry, pork, fish, milk, yogurt, eggs, cheese, soy products (including soy protein isolate, soybean flour, and tofu), and certain nuts and seeds. Banana is also a rich source of phenylalanine, as well as the artificial sweetener aspartame (particularly soft drinks, and gum). The body requires phenylalanine to synthesize epinephrine, dopamine, and norepinephrine, three neurotransmitters that in essence direct and guide how you perceive and interact with your environment. Phenylalanine supplementation may elevate your mood and help you feel happier, reduce food cravings by becoming less hungry, and become more alert. It can help treat chronic pain and improve memory and concentration as well. Recent studies show that phenylalanine, which helps in melatonin production, may be useful in treating vitiligo, a condition that causes white patches on the skin. Subjects in these studies took 50 to 100 milligrams L-phenylalanine orally and applied topical 10 percent phenylalanine gel daily and experienced an average improvement rate of 83 percent.

There are three different chemical forms of phenylalanine: (1) L-phenylalanine, the natural form of phenylalanine found in proteins throughout the body; (2) D-phenylalanine, a mirror image of L-phenylalanine that is synthesized in a laboratory; and (3) DL-phenylalanine, a combination of the previous two forms. Each type of phenylalanine is used to help manage different symptoms. D-phenylalanine is more potent for containing and limiting pain, while L-phenylalanine is more effective for regulating mood, appetite, and mental alertness; DL-phenylalanine affects both pain sensitivity and mental state. People that suffer from arthritis, obesity, severe menstrual cramps or mild depression may greatly benefit from phenylalanine supplementation, but just for good measure, they have to first speak to their doctor about trying it. Phenylalanine has also been used to treat Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia, but anyone with a serious health condition should not take any form of supplementation without first talking to a medical practitioner about proper dosage and possible side effects.

L-phenylalanine (LPA) functions and acts as a building block for numerous proteins that are produced in the body. L-phenylalanine can be converted to l-tyrosine (another amino acid) and subsequently to l-dopa, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. L-tyrosine produced from l-phenylalanine is a precursor in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, among other reactions. The conversion of l-phenylalanine to l-tyrosine is via the enzyme l-phenylalanine hydroxylase. L-phenylalanine can also be converted (through a separate pathway) to phenylethylamine, a substance that occurs naturally in the brain and appears to elevate mood. The D-form of phenylalanine cannot be converted to tyrosine, but it can be converted to another compound called phenylethylamine which may have effects in elevating mood, treating depression and altering pain sensation.

What is L-Phenylalanine used for and who uses it?

L-Phenylalanine, together with D-Phenylalanine which is another chemical form of Phenylalanine, are amino acids necessary for the overall health of the human body. Once in the body, these amino acids are converted into another amino acid, tyrosine. Tyrosine is then transformed into key neurotransmitters, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These are compounds that transmit signals between nerve cells. When taken as directed by your health practice professional or physician, L-Phenylalanine may be helpful in alleviating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, depression, menstrual cramps, migraines, obesity, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia. Many people that take L-Phenylalanine also find it helpful for elevating their mood, reducing stress, decreasing pain, improving memory and learning, and enhancing cognitive function. Aside from functioning as an analgesic that has been shown to decrease back pain, toothaches, and pain associated with migraine headaches. Phenylalanine also acts as an appetite suppressant by administrating the release of an intestinal hormone that signals the brain to feel satiated after eating. For some people when taken sublingually (under the tongue) just minutes before eating, L-Phenylalanine can be an effective appetite suppressant.

Phenylalanine elevates mood and is used to treated depression due to its ability of enhancing the production of brain chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine when used. L-phenylalanine is associated with nervous states and has anti-depressant properties because it is part of certain hormones in the body which affect moods e.g., melanotropin, endorphins etc. Phenylalanine is an integral part in different biochemical processes to produce neurotransmitters, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Norepinephrine is believed to be scarce in the brains of people who are depressed. By taking in extra phenylalanine, it is believed the brain will make more norepinephrine. In the liver, l-phenylalanine is involved in many biochemical reactions, like protein synthesis, l-tyrosine formation, and oxidative catabolic reactions.

D-phenylalanine prevents the metabolism of opiate-like substances called enkephalins in the brain. D-phenylalanine strengthens and improves the potency of pain killers and may help reduce chronic pain associated with certain health conditions by stimulating nerve pathways in the brain that control pain. For this reason DL-phenylalanine is effective in the treatment of chronic pain. L-phenylalanine may also be helpful in the treatment of vitiligo. Combining L-phenylalanine (oral and topical) with UVA radiation for people with vitiligo (a condition characterized by irregular depigmentation or white patches of skin) may lead to repigmentation of the whitened areas, particularly on the face. Phenylalanine also triggers a particular hormone (cholecystokinin) in the body which causes suppression of the appetite, which can help in weight loss. Phenylalanine plays a role in energy production as well, as it can be used to form glucose in the body which is needed for energy production.

How pure is your L-Phenylalanine

This pharmaceutical grade amino acid L-Phenylalanine is assayed by the manufacturer to be 99.4% product. You will receive a sealed and labeled heavy duty 4 mil polyethylene bag containing this white powder product. This L-Phenylalanine powder is a free form of the amino acid L-Phenylalanine meaning that it is the most basic form without any additional chemical groups attached. This free form L-Phenylalanine is therefore somewhat more potent and concentrated with L-Phenylalanine than all other L-Phenylalanine analog molecules. Our product also has no additives, fillers or anti-caking agents included. For individuals who want the most L-Phenylalanine for their money, or want to encapsulate their L-Phenylalanine supplement, this pure bulk powder is the most potent and economical L-Phenylalanine supplement available. Buying in bulk is also your best bet for saving money because for sure you’ll pay more at a local nutrition store. Bulk costs are cheaper in the long run and you will receive a great deal at or below wholesale prices for a high purity bulk quantity of this product.

What is the daily suggested dose of L-Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine supplements are the only way you can get the necessary amounts of amino acids other than through the foods you eat. If you are an athlete or bodybuilder who trains regularly, you need more of these amino acids to help increase stamina and energy. If you perform regular athletic or bodybuilding activity, the use of a supplement is highly recommended.

Recommended dosing for L-Phenylalanine varies between as little as 250 mg to as much as 5 grams daily. If you haven't taken L- Phenylalanine you may need to take if for two weeks prior to noticing its effects and/or mood improvement. It is usually recommended that you start with a smaller dose and work your way up to a larger dose after a few weeks. Since taking three times per day is also recommended, starting with a level 1/8 teaspoon (approximately 477 milligrams) three times per day, and then after a couple weeks you may consider increasing your dose to a level 1/4 teaspoon or perhaps at most a level 1 teaspoon, three times per day. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for L-Phenylalanine here. Recommended dosages of phenylalanine vary depending on the health condition being treated, so it’s necessary to seek medical advice before supplementation. Supplements are recommended 15 to 30 minutes before meals.

What kind of results do people anticipate while taking L-Phenylalanine?

Key benefits of Phenylalanine include treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, depression, arthritis and Parkinson's disease. It has also been linked with successful treatment of ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), recovery from methamphetamine addiction and chronic pain. Phenylalanine provides nutritional benefits and is essential for building protein in the body.

Because Phenylalanine is essential for the synthesis of proteins, it is necessary for building a healthy and strong body. Amino acids make up the greatest portion of body weight, and make up our muscles, tendons, ligaments, body organs and glands. Without them, the body would not function. Phenylalanine, and all amino acids, are responsible for healthy muscles. They also help regenerate damaged muscle tissue, often caused by bodybuilding and other strenuous sports and activities that require endurance.

Phenylalanine deficiency, Interactions/Contraindications, and Potential side effects of L-Phenylalanine

Deficiencies are possible if the enzyme that converts phenylalanine to tyrosine is absent. Symptoms of PKU (also known as Phenylketonuria, a rare metabolic disorder that occurs in people who are missing an enzyme that is needed to properly metabolize phenylalanine), which tend to appear between three and six months of age, include eczema, developmental delay, an abnormally small head, and hyperactivity. If it is not treated as soon as possible or before reaching the third week, PKU can lead to severe and irreversible mental retardation.

A deficiency in diet would only occur if an extremely low protein intake is in place. Symptoms of phenylalanine deficiency can include confusion, emotional agitation, diminished appetite, depression, decreased alertness, lack of energy, decreased memory, behavioral changes, decreased sexual interest, bloodshot eyes, and cataracts. Its deficiency can also lead to stunted growth, apathy, muscle loss, and weakness. If not corrected by supplemental dietary phenylalanine and tyrosine, the deficiency may lead to restricted weight gain and stunted growth, osteopenia, anemia, alopecia, and even death.

Toxicity is rare in dietary intake but large amounts in supplement form can be problematic for your blood pressure and may lead to headaches, nausea and heartburn. Symptoms include increased blood pressure and emotional agitation, insomnia, headaches, and tyrosine toxicity. Anyone with high blood pressure or migraines should not take phenylalanine or even eat foods high in this amino acid, as it may aggravate their condition. Individuals with PKU and women who are lactating or pregnant should avoid supplementation. People with melanomas should also avoid Phenylalanine supplementation as it may stimulate the growth of this skin cancer.

DO NOT use phenylalanine supplements together with prescription antidepressants, especially monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, as this may lead to life-threatening spikes in blood pressure. Large doses of phenylalanine may cause nerve damage.

Taste, solubility, and suggested preparation of L-Phenylalanine

This product dissolves somewhat slowly in cold water, but faster in hot water, and has very little flavor or taste. Just mix your usual dose with water or juice and drink. One point to keep in mind is that the body needs a supply of all the amino acids in order to effectively create and utilize proteins so if you intend to supplement any of the amino acids it is of paramount importance that you have a balanced intake of all the other amino acids. Being deficient in even one amino acid will lower the efficiency of all the other amino acids in your body.

L-Phenylalanine is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

Phenylalanine supplements come in capsule, tablet, and powder form, in brands such as Now Foods True Focus, Now Foods L-Phenylalanine, Life Enhancement Durk Pearson & Sandy Shaw's Blast Caps, Source Naturals L-Phenylalanine, Life Extension D, L-Phenylalanine, Life Enhancement Durk Pearson & Sandy Shaw FastBlast, Country Life L-Phenylalanine Caps, Twinlab L-Phenylalanine, Solgar L-Phenylalanine, Bluebonnet Nutrition L-Phenylalanine

References & Further Research

L-deprenyl plus l-phenylalanine in the treatment of depression
The antidepressive efficacy of l-deprenyl (5–10 mg daily) plus l-phenylalanine (250 mg/day) has been evaluated in 155 unipolar depressed patients. Both oral and intravenous administration showed beneficial effects in 90% of outpatients and 80.5% of inpatients. It is concluded that this combined treatment has a potent antidepressive action based on the accumulation of l-phenylethylamine in the brain.

Analgesic effectiveness of D-phenylalanine in chronic pain patients
Enkephalins are a biochemical pathway for endogenous analgesia. A number of compounds inhibit degradation of enkephalins within the body. One of these compounds, D-phenylalanine (DPA), has been shown to increase the pain threshold in animals. It is hypothesized that this naloxone reversible analgesia is induced by DPA blockage of enkephalin degradation by the enzyme carboxypeptidase A. Preliminary studies of chronic pain patients have shown a response rate to DPA from 32% to 75%. Data from the pain questionnaires revealed more pain relief on DPA reported by 25% of the patients.

L-Phenylalanine for International Customers

We have the most economical shipping costs & labeling practices for International orders. You can see our shipping costs here. Also, please note, that anything in a 1.5kg package can be shipped within a single flat rate envelope, however our shopping cart mistakenly displays 2 envelopes. Go ahead and ship the order, and you will notice that it only charges you the cost of 1 anyway. Look at the shipping costs tab above to see for yourself how you can calculate these charges.

Buying L-Phenylalanine Bulk or Wholesale

If you need L-Phenylalanine in bulk or wholesale quantities, please feel free to contact us with sourcing/shipping/fulfilment questions. If you have any questions about shipping or would like to arrange a shipment to an excluded country please use the contact page!