DL Phenylalanine (DLPA) - Side-effects, Structure, Supplements

D, L-Phenylalanine (DLPA)
Reprinted by permission from Dusty R. Green, M.Ed., Author of Smart Eats, Smart Supplements, and Smart Exercise

D, L-Phenylalanine (DLPA) is a 50-50 blend of the D and L forms of this amino acid (building blocks for protein). The structure of the D form is used to help combat pain. The structure of the L form is used as a stimulant, appetite suppressant, and mood enhancer. D, L-Phenylalanine is used by the brain to produce norepinephrine (our brains' version of adrenaline), a neurotransmitter depleted by stress, caffeine, nicotine, pollution, and some pharmacological and recreational drugs. D, L-Phenylalanine also helps replace dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings associated with sexual pleasure, confidence, and euphoria.

D, L-Phenylalanine is the precursor to another amino acid called tyrosine. Tyrosine also does all of the above except for one factor -- chocolate (beta phenylethylamine), a neuromodulator associated with mood enhancement and sexual stimulation. Tyrosine does not appear to be as active in this role as chocolate and DLPA. This is the reason some people refer to chocolate as sexual stimulant. Unfortunately, all those extra calories from consuming the amount of chocolate needed for sexual stimulation would pile-on body fat in short-order. If you are a chocoholic (for sexual stimulation or not) and want to lower your intake, phenylalanine or Fastin may be the answer for you.

DL-Phenylalanine and Starbucks
D, L-Phenylalanine (or tyrosine) works especially well with caffeine. Caffeine gives us a temporary lift by sending norepinephrine (neurotransmitter associated with mental sharpness, excitability, pain, and depression support) into the blood stream. Over time, healthy levels of norepinephrine are depleted by caffeine and other factors mentioned above ... if not replaced. Phenylalanine does a great job replacing this major neurotransmitter.

Cocaine
Studies show that cocaine users who are trying to quit may benefit from D, L-phenylalanine (DLPA), theanine and/or glutamine use. The chronic use of cocaine may eventually deplete dopamine and norepinephrine from the brain without replacing these two valuable neurotransmitters. As dopamine is synthesized from precursors such as DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) and theanine, dopamine reserves are rebuilt, thus, overcoming the dopamine depletion problem. The use of DLPA on a regular basis may be a so-called "antidote" for those who are trying to quit cocaine. One of cocaine's principal effects is the blocking of the re-uptake of dopamine in the brain. This results in increased dopamine levels associated with the euphoric characteristic of the drug. However, chronic use of cocaine may lead to considerable dopamine reduction.

In addition, cocaine users often exhibit various nutritional deficiencies. Consequently, it is preferable to further provide certain vitamins and minerals to ones supplement protocol, particularly vitamin C, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxal phosphate (B6), magnesium, calcium, and zinc. All of the above supplements are included in a multi-vitamin product called Life Extension Mix. Vitamins B6 and C are important co-factors in the synthesis structure of dopamine, serotonin and GABA.

Editors note (7-14-08): Customers/clients have been reporting a kinship of consuming 2 products simultaneously to that of feelings associated with cocaine use. This product is one and the other is Lipodrene. After a few anecdotal reports, I decided to use myself as a "guinea pig" while extrapolating the research. I now have to concur that there is a nice 'high" (so-to-speak) that lasts for 4-6 hours/dose. In addition, Lipodrene and phenylalanine are legal and less expensive compared to cocaine ... not to mention the positive benefits of dropping body fat. Continued here ...

Smokers
Ever wondered why cigarette smokers enjoy "lighting-up" after sex? There is evidence to support the notion that smoking appears to release dopamine into the brain. As a result, smokers appear to get a mild hit of dopamine by "lighting-up" after an orgasm. This may be one of the main reasons "kicking the smoking habit" is so difficult. Cigarette smokers may find it quite easy to become ex-smokers with the use of phenylalanine.

Weight Loss
Many ex-smokers gain weight right after quitting and use weight gain as a reason to keep smoking. Phenylalanine encourages the hypothalamus in the brain to release CCK (cholecystokinin), the hormone responsible for signaling fullness. Using phenylalanine may eliminate ex-smokers weight gain excuse.

D, L-Phenylalanine should not be confused with phenylpropanolamine (a form of amphetamine). Phenylpropanolamine is an appetite depressant used in several over-the-counter diet pills. It causes the brain to use up its stores of norepinephrine without stimulating it to produce more. Typically, after about two weeks the dieter stops taking the diet pill which can result in "the blues" and low energy since they are running low on norepinephrine. They then gorge themselves on food and end up gaining more weight than before.

PKU
Phenylalanine and tyrosine should be used with caution by those with hypertension, phenylketonuria (PKU) (a rare genetic defect of the brain), or pre-existing pigmented melanoma (a type of skin cancer). Nor, should they be used in combination with anti-depressant drugs.

My Experience
I was reluctant to use phenylalanine for several years because of the above cancer warning. Skin cancer developed on my face (two separate areas) in my younger years and I was afraid it would get worse. One of the areas displayed a constant oozing sore and the other was a sore red area about a half-inch in diameter. I decided to take phenylalanine in the name of science. A couple of months after I had been using it daily, the cancer disappeared even while spending a lot of time in the sun. I am not making the claim that phenylalanine cured the cancer. I am saying that my skin cancer is now gone. That happened around the time I added phenylalanine, canthaxanthin, and 750 mg. of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) to my daily routine. BHT is a common food preservative and powerful antioxidant (free radical scavenger). There is a lot of evidence that the consumption of canthaxanthin and 500-1000 mg of BHT per day is beneficial to those who have cancer. In addition, BHT supports the health of those with both type I and type II herpes and some forms of HIV.

In addition, grape seed extract was added about that time to Life Extension Mix (which I take). Grape seed extract is one of the most powerful anti-oxidants known to man. It also works along with billberry extract to improve microcapillary circulation throughout the body. My point in bringing this up is: Even though there is a universal warning about the use of phenylalanine and tyrosine pertaining to skin cancer, they did not make my condition worse. In fact, approximately 18 years later, I have no signs of skin cancer anywhere on my body even though I spend a lot of time in the sun.

Dose
D, L-Phenylalanine competes with other amino acids. They have to be able to pass through the stomach and blood brain barrier without competition. The consensus of experts recommend taking phenylalanine on an empty stomach 15-20 minutes before eating. Avoid taking them with other amino acids (there are a few in Life Extension Mix multi-formula) or other supplement formulas. It is recommended to start with 500-1,000 mg as soon as you awake. Some people take another 500-1,000 mg 4-6 hours later for that extra "lift." Taking it too close to bedtime may keep you awake. Some people build up (after taking lower doses for a couple of weeks) to 2,000 mg in the morning and 2,000 mg in the evening.

There has to be significant amounts of vitamin B6 and vitamin C present in your blood stream in order for phenylalanine (or tyrosine) to work. The ingestion of 150-200 mg of Vitamin B6 and 3,000-4,000 mg of vitamin C divided throughout the day does a great job ... in addition to other benefits as mentioned in the above links. There are 100 mg of vitamin B6 and 2,500 mg of vitamin C in the full menu of Life Extension Mix.

Caution:
Cancer patients should avoid taking L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine. Certain cancers, such as melanoma, depend on these amino acids to fuel their growth. Supplemental use of L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine may raise or normalize blood pressure. Insomnia may occur from over-stimulation if taken too close to bedtime.

Warnings

Keep out of reach of children

Do not exceed recommended dose

If you have a bad reaction or experience negative side-effects, discontinue use immediately

When using DL Phenylalanine (dlpa), please inform your physician.

Ingredients/Dose - Pg 1 | References

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DL Phenylalanine (DLPA) - Side-effects, Structure, Supplements - Pg 2