What is DL-Phenylalanine?

DL-Phenylalanine is a combination of the naturally-occurring amino L-Theanine and the laboratory-made D-Phenylalanine. It offers unique benefits when compared to these two substances. People mostly use DL-Phenylalanine to help improve mood and focus. It may also have the potential to reduce sensations of pain. In this article, we’ll explore DL-Phenylalanine – its major uses, recommended dosage, as well as any side effects and warnings. This is a great place to start learning about DL-Phenylalanine. You could also check out our product description for some more great information about how to use DL-Phenylalanine.

Benefits and Effects

DL-Phenylalanine has a number of potential benefits. These may include:

1. Pain-relief

Two large studies have indicated the potential use of DL-Phenylalanine in reducing sensations of pain. In the first study, entitled “DL-phenylalanine markedly potentiates opiate analgesia”, researchers found that DL-Phenylalanine markedly reduced sensations of pain when used together with opiate-based substances. Their hypothesis was that it increases the activity of the ‘endogenous analgesia system’ (EAS) – your body’s natural pain-relief system.[1] Another study, entitled “Analgesic effectiveness of D-phenylalanine in chronic pain patients”, explored the effects of D-Phenylalanine on compounds in your body called Enkephalins. Enkephalins are part of your natural pain-relief system. Scientists believe that preventing the breakdown of Enkephalins may help with pain relief.[2]

2. May increase focus

[caption id=""attachment_1042"" align=""alignright"" width=""300""] Liftmode's DL-Phenylalanine, 99% purity[/caption] A number of studies have found that DL-Phenylalanine may have the ability to help increase focus and attention. One study tested DL-Phenylalanine’s effects on 19 participants with attention problems. Researchers noted a significant increase in mood and attention.[3]  

3. Mood-Lift

Studies have shown that DL-Phenylalanine may have the potential to dramatically and effectively increase mood. One study was conducted on 23 participants. The researchers found that there was a significant increase in mood for 17 of the 23 participants, at a dosage of 50 – 100 mg per day.[5] Another study, from 1977, looked into the effects of DL-Phenylalanine on 20 participants. At the end of the clinical trial, results showed significant improvements in mood.[6]  

Recommended Dosage

The recommended dosage for DL-Phenylalanine is around 100 – 500 mg per day, based on previous studies.  

Side Effects and Warnings

[caption id=""attachment_1684"" align=""alignright"" width=""300""] DL-Phenylalanine may help to reduce pain and boost your focus.[/caption] No serious adverse effects were found in the above studies and reviews on DL-Phenylalanine. However, mild side effects may include DL-phenylalanine may cause symptoms of anxiety, jitteriness, and hyperactivity in children. DL-Phenylalanine should not be used by people who are taking antipsychotic medications as it may cause involuntary muscle contractions. DL-Phenylalanine may interact with a number of medications including MAOIs and antipsychotic medication. Please consult your physician if you’re on any medication and would like to try DL-Phenylalanine.[7]  

Conclusion

In conclusion, DL-Phenylalanine is a dietary supplement that may have a number of beneficial effects, especially in improving mood and focus. DL-Phenylalanine is a combination of L-Phenylalanine and D-Phenylalanine and may have different effects to either of these substances. DL-Phenylalanine is used to improve mood, focus and help to ease sensations of pain. It is relatively free from side effects but may interact with a number of medications.        

References:

  [1] DL-phenylalanine markedly potentiates opiate analgesia - an example of nutrient/pharmaceutical up-regulation of the endogenous analgesia system, AL Russell, MF McCarty, Med Hypotheses. 2000 Oct;55(4):283-8. [2] Analgesic effectiveness of D-phenylalanine in chronic pain patients, NE Walsh et al., Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1986 Jul;67(7):436-9. [3] Treatment of attention deficit disorder with DL-phenylalanine, DR Wood et al., Psychiatry Res. 1985 Sep;16(1):21-6. [4] An update on the pharmacotherapy of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults, TE Wilens et al., Expert Rev Neurother. 2011 Oct; 11(10): 1443–1465. [5] Therapy of depression by phenylalanine. Preliminary note, E Fischer et al., Arzneimittelforschung. 1975 Jan;25(1):132. [6] Dl-phenylalanine in depressed patients: an open study, H Beckmann et al., J Neural Transm. 1977;41(2-3):123-34. [7] Phenylalanine, University of Maryland Medical Center online, retrieved on December 6, 2016