Phenylalanine is an amino acid ranked among the essential amino acids needed to sustain life and critical body functions. It assists in the steady function of the central nervous system.*
L-Phenylalanine possesses many health benefits, among them the ability to manage pain and control mood. It is also said to heighten overall awareness and regulate appetite. It can be used as a component in the synthesis of many different proteins that are naturally produced in the body. These pain-relieving effects that L-Phenylalanine possesses are believed to be connected to the fact that it also helps produce endorphins in the brain.
The body requires high amounts of Phenylalanine in order to synthesize important neurotransmitters. Phenylalanine is converted into Tyrosine in the body, which is another type of amino acid that creates proteins, hormones of the thyroid and various other chemicals in the brain. It also helps create the neurotransmitters Norepinephrine, Epinephrine and Dopamine, which are needed to send signals from one nerve cell to the next.
It is suggested that L-Phenylalanine be consumed in servings of 500mg to be taken one to three times daily, depending on intended effect. It can take upwards of 4 weeks for the effects to be fully noticed.