Stay Alert With Phenylalanine - Amino Acids And Their Uses

What Is Phenylalanine And What It Is Used For

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, meaning that it is not manufactured by the body, but must be obtained from the diet.  It is vital for proper brain function because it contributes to the production of several important neurotransmitters and endorphins. Phenylalanine is also converted into the amino acid Tyrosine. Although tyrosine is usually classified as a non-essential amino acid, it relies on phenylalanine for its creation, so it is considered by some experts to be an essential or ‘conditionally essential’ amino acid. Tyrosine is the precursor to the mood elevating neurotransmitter dopamine. Phenylalanine also aids in the production of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which help regulate moods and contribute to alertness, memory and learning. It is also an ingredient in some psychoactive drugs.

Best Natural Sources Of Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine can be found in abundance in:

• meats
• eggs
• dairy products
• bananas
• oats
• wheat germ

Eating a balanced diet will provide adequate amounts of this amino acid, so supplementation of phenylalanine from a nutritional perspective is not usually necessary.

Phenylalanine Benefits

Because it affects the brain in so many ways, phenylalanine has been successfully used to treat depression and other mental problems. Many people suffering from depression have been found to have low levels of phenylalanine, so it is logical that it would be effective as a treatment for depression. Phenylalanine in its various forms can successfully treat bipolar as well as affective depressive disorders.

Phenylalanine increases the production of endorphins, which are the natural mood elevators that are released when we exercise or experience positive emotions. Endorphins are thought to directly affect our sensitivity to pain, or our awareness of it. As a pain reliever, phenylalanine seems to have the most effect on the pain of musculoskeletal disorders such as multiple sclerosis and firbromyalgia, though it can be helpful for other types of pain such as back pain, arthritis, headaches and menstrual cramps. Phenylalanine has shown to be most effective for pain when combined with other painkillers, particularly opiates.

Phenylalanine Side Effects

Approximately one in ten thousand people in the USA are born with the genetic disorder known as phenylketonuria (PKU). People with this disorder lack an enzyme that enables them to metabolize phenylalanine. Undiagnosed, PKU can cause severe mental retardation, or can contribute to ADD and hyperactivity, learning disabilities and other developmental problems in children. If PKU is diagnosed at an early age, a phenylalanine-restricted and tyrosine-supplemented diet can ensure normal mental development. PKU sufferers can learn about their condition by visiting www.pku.com, the website also allows people to tell their stories and network with others who are living with PKU.

Phenylalanine can cause a severe rise in blood pressure when combined with MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine and isocarboxazid. This condition, known as ‘hypertensive crisis’, can lead to heart attack or stroke. People taking these drugs should avoid foods and supplements that contain high levels of phenylalanine. Several other medications have the potential for negative reactions when combined with phenylalanine. It is best to consult your physician before combining any prescription drugs with nutritional supplements.

Is Phenylalanine Deficiency Possible?

If the overall diet is low in protein, a deficiency of phenylalanine and tyrosine can result. Symptoms of deficiency include mental confusion and decreased alertness, anxiety and depression, bloodshot eyes, cataracts, and increase in appetite.

Because phenylalanine is essential for the production of tyrosine, the two amino acids function hand in hand with each other. Deficiency of phenylalanine will result in tyrosine deficiency, and excess phenylalanine will cause tyrosine toxicity.

Phenylalanine Supplementation

Phenylalanine does not need to be supplemented under normal circumstances; because it relies on several other nutrients for processing, taking it alone may result in toxicity if the necessary components are not present. To ensure safety, phenylalanine should be taken with the support of other amino acids in a balanced amino acid complex supplement.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take phenylalanine supplements.

Final Thoughts

Most people should be getting all their phenylalanine requirements from diet with supplementation only necessary in special cases.

Feel Good With Tyrosine - Amino Acids And Their Uses

What Is Tyrosine And What It Is Used For

Some experts consider tyrosine to be a non-essential amino acid, while others classify it as essential.  Technically, tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid because it is manufactured by the body.  However, it is produced by the essential amino acid phenylalanine, so indirectly it must be obtained through the diet.  It has many important functions and is contained within the structure of virtually every protein in the human body.

Tyrosine is the precursor for several mood-regulating neurotransmitters including serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine.  It plays an important role in the function of the thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands.  Tyrosine is also involved in the production of melanin, which is the pigment responsible for the color of skin and hair.

Best Natural Sources Of Tyrosine

Phenylalanine, the amino acid that is converted into tyrosine, is available in generous amounts in most foods.  A well-balanced diet that is high in protein will supply ample amounts of phenylalanine and therefore tyrosine.  It is plentiful in

• meats
• fish
• eggs
• milk products

Non-animal sources include:

• soy products
• bananas
• oatmeal
• avocados
• peanuts
• almonds
• pumpkin seeds

Tyrosine Benefits

Instrumental as they are in the production of mood enhancers serotonin and dopamine, phenylalanine and tyrosine are sometimes combined with various mood-elevating herbs for use as an alternative treatment for depression.  Sufferers of depression are frequently found to have low levels of several amino acids, including tyrosine. Therefore, ensuring that the diet contains adequate levels of these amino acids is a logical course of action in the fight against depression and other mood disorders including Alzheimer’s and dementia.  It has also been used to treat chronic fatigue.

Tyrosine, when used in conjunction with tryptophan, has been shown to have some success in the treatment of cocaine addiction and the depression that accompanies withdrawal.  Tyrosine is said to increase alertness and mental focus, and is sometimes used along with phenylalanine as an appetite suppressant.

Tyrosine Side Effects

Because tyrosine is made from phenylalanine, excess doses of phenylalanine can cause tyrosine toxicity.  Excess tyrosine can cause anxiety, insomnia, increased heart rate and heart palpitations.  Caffeine can increase these symptoms; users of tyrosine supplements would be wise to limit their intake of caffeine.

People who are prone to migraines should be aware that in some cases tyrosine can act as a trigger for these types of headaches.  Sensitivity to this amino acid can also cause gastrointestinal upset in some people.

Although it is suggested that taking tyrosine supplements can increase melanin production, and therefore offer extra protection from skin cancer, for the same reason tyrosine is not recommended to be taken by people who have skin cancer; its role in the production of melanin can accelerate the growth of existing melanoma.

Tyrosine is not recommended to be taken with the antidepressants known as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine).  People who combine tyrosine with these drugs may experience a severe increase in blood pressure known as “hypertensive crisis” that can lead to a heart attack or stroke.  Anyone who already has high blood pressure should not supplement the diet with tyrosine for this reason.

Being a precursor to thyroid hormone, tyrosine may further raise the levels of thyroid hormones in people with Graves disease (hyperthyroidism), so anyone with this disorder should not take tyrosine supplements.  For the same reason, tyrosine should be avoided by anyone who takes synthetic thyroid hormones to treat hypothyroidism.

Is Tyrosine Deficiency Possible?

Restless leg syndrome, low blood pressure and low body temperature (cold hands and feet) can be symptoms of tyrosine deficiency.  Tyrosine deficiencies are rare as long as the diet contains adequate amounts of phenylalanine.  A poor diet that is deficient in protein may be lacking in phenylalanine, and therefore be lacking in tyrosine.

Some people are born with a genetic deficiency in which the enzyme that converts phenylalanine to tyrosine is absent.  This condition is known as phenylketonuria (PKU).  If untreated, PKU can cause brain damage and even death.  People with PKU must restrict or eliminate phenylalanine from the diet, so they usually need to take tyrosine supplements to avoid becoming deficient.

Tyrosine Supplementation

Tyrosine does not usually need to be taken alone as a supplement, except in cases of PKU, where the phenylalanine required to produce it is not present.  Supplements containing tyrosine can be found in abundance, usually as performance enhancing supplements.

Amino acid supplements are popular with athletes and bodybuilders because they are the basis for all proteins.  These supplements, referred to by some as natural alternatives to steroids, are said to increase stamina and improve athletic performance. Phenylalanine and tyrosine are key ingredients in many bodybuilding supplements.  Expert opinions differ as to the actual effectiveness of amino acid supplements in bodybuilding, but people who have been using them for extended periods of time usually attest that the supplements work very well.

Final Thoughts

Tyrosine supplements are commonly marketed as ‘wake-up’ formulas.  The advertised effects of these supplements are similar to those of amphetamines, which can make them subject to abuse by people looking for a quick energy fix.  Many people who take them are unaware that under certain circumstances they could be unsafe, because they are found on the same shelves as vitamins and other ‘natural’ supplements.  Remember that many pharmaceutical drugs also originate from natural sources.

Calm Yourself With Tryptophan - Amino Acids And Their Uses

What Is Tryptophan And What It Is Used For

Tryptophan is one of the essential amino acids, meaning that it cannot be manufactured within the body but must be obtained through the diet.  This amino acid is best known for its ability to enhance relaxation and induce sleep, though it has many other important functions.

The reason for tryptophan’s calming effect is that it is a precursor for the neurotransmitter serotonin, which plays a key role in regulating sleep patterns, moods and appetite.  The liver converts a small percentage of the body’s tryptophan into niacin, which in turn contributes to the production of mood-elevating serotonin and sleep-inducing melatonin.  Vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium and folic acid must be present in the body for tryptophan to be metabolized, so it is important that it is ingested as part of a well balanced diet.

Best Natural Sources Of Tryptophan

Although found in nearly all protein foods, tryptophan is present in smaller amounts than the other essential amino acids, leading to concerns that supplementation may be necessary.  The best sources of tryptophan are:

• meats
• fish
• milk products
• eggs

Vegetarians diets can provide tryptophan through a variety of sources such as:

• soy
• oats
• nuts
• seeds

Tryptophan is also found in several fruits and vegetables including spinach, asparagus, bananas and mangoes.

Tryptophan Benefits

Known for its sedative effect, tryptophan has most commonly been used to treat insomnia and sleep disorders.  The brain uses the serotonin and melatonin produced by tryptophan to induce slumber and maintain proper sleep patterns.

Many patients suffering from depression have been found to have low levels of  tryptophan, so it stands to reason that this essential amino acid is a valuable tool in the treatment of depression and other mood disorders.  It has proven to be particularly effective against bipolar disorder and depression associated with menopause and premenstrual syndrome.  It may also help treat obsessive compulsive disorder, Tourette’s syndrome and senile dementia.  Having an adequate supply of tryptophan improves concentration and provides an overall sense of well-being.

Due to the mood elevating properties of serotonin, tryptophan has been successfully used to relieve pain associated with dental problems, migraines and even cancer.  When used with conventional pain relievers like aspirin or acetaminophen, tryptophan appears to increase a person’s threshold of pain.  Because it helps regulate the appetite, tryptophan may also help treat both anorexia and obesity.

Tryptophan Side Effects

Side effects of using tryptophan as a tranquilizer are considerably fewer and less severe than those experienced with pharmaceutical sedatives.  Tryptophan does not affect sleep patterns unless taken in doses larger than 10 grams.  A Tolerable Upper Intake Level has not been established, but taking doses of this size has not been shown to produce any ill effects besides maybe a slight feeling of sluggishness in the morning.  Because tryptophan is not a drug, but basically a component found in food, it is safe to take during pregnancy and while breast feeding (of course you should always check with your doctor before supplementing anything during or after pregnancy).

Because it contributes to the production of serotonin, tryptophan may increase the effect of some antidepressants.  People who are taking MAO inhibitors such as tranylcypromine and phenelzine or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Paxil and Fluoxetine should consult their physicians before supplementing with tryptophan.

Is Tryptophan Deficiency Possible?

Deficiency of tryptophan in the diet may cause low levels of serotonin, which would result in depression, anxiety and irritability.  Sleep patterns may also become upset and changes in appetite may occur.  Lactose intolerance can inhibit the absorption of tryptophan, leading to a deficiency and subsequently depression.

As building blocks of all proteins, all amino acids are important.  Deficiency of tryptophan or any other essential amino acid is likely to manifest as a protein deficiency.  Symptoms such as weight loss, hair loss and slow growth in children are typical of a protein deficiency.

Tryptophan Supplementation

Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of tryptophan-rich foods should supply ample amounts of this essential amino acid.  If its sedative effects are desired, additional amounts can be taken in the form of supplements.

Tryptophan supplements were a common over the counter treatment for insomnia, depression and anxiety until 1989, when hundreds of people in the USA began to report  muscle and joint pain and other alarming symptoms that became known as eosiniphilia-myalgia syndrome, or EMS.  More than 30 deaths were said to have been caused by EMS.  The culprit was found to be a contaminated batch of tryptophan produced in Japan.  The FDA, convinced that the syndrome was caused not by an isolated toxin, but by high doses of tryptophan, took immediate action and removed tryptophan supplements from the market.  With the threat long since passed, the supplements have returned and are once again being used as a safe and natural sedative.

Final Thoughts

Enhancing your diet with nutritional supplements is an excellent way to maintain optimum health, but it is in no way a substitute for a healthy diet.   Amino acids work best when combined with each other and other necessary nutrients, and the best way to obtain them is through the food that we eat.