Phenylalanine (Proteins)
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that the body needs and cannot make itself, meaning it must be obtained from food. It plays an important role in the production of proteins and biochemicals.
Properties and Benefits:
Dietary sources: Found in foods such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and some plant sources such as nuts and legumes.
Function: Helps produce neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which affects mood and concentration.
Brain health: Phenylalanine is believed to play a role in improving mood and concentration, and may be used in some nutritional supplements to improve mental performance.
Warnings: Caution should be exercised when consuming large amounts of phenylalanine, especially for people with a genetic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU), where they cannot metabolize this amino acid properly.
In general, phenylalanine is an essential part of the diet, and has important effects on mental and physical health.
