D-Phenylalanine: A Possible Treatment for Depression

D-Phenylalanine is a man-made supplement derived from the naturally occurring amino acid L-Phenylalanine. D-Phenylalanine and L-Phenylalanine are identical, except one is the mirror image of the other. L-Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that can be found in protein-rich foods. Because they have different effects in the body, and because it is cheapest to produce them together, D-Phenylalanine and L-Phenylalanine are frequently sold together in a preparation called DL-Phenylalanine.

Through a series of transformations, the body converts L-Phenylalanine to tyrosine, and then to L-dopa, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, enzymes that influence mood. D-Phenylalanine, however, does not make these transformations. D-Phenylalanine does convert to phenylethylamine, which elevates mood, making it potentially useful in the fight against depression. Although D-Phenylalanine has been suggested as a treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder, there is no real evidence that it works.

Similarly, D-Phenylalanine is in preliminary studies as a treatment for Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease, but there is no definitive data.

A study performed in 1978 comparing D-Phenylalanine to the anti-depressant drug imipramine showed D-Phenylalanine to be at least as effective as the anti-depressant drug. Furthermore, D-Phenylalanine began to work more quickly than the drug, showing positive results in fifteen days. There are no studies of D-Phenylalanine against placebos. D-Phenylalanine also blocks the enzyme enkephalinase, which increases pain levels by breaking down the pain-reducing enzyme enkephalin.

Because of this, D-Phenylalanine has been touted for the treatment of pain from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as low back pain. Research, though, is weak and contradictory. Individuals with the disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) should not take D-Phenylalanine supplements. Those using the drug levodopa should avoid D-Phenylalanine, as it may interfere with absorption of the drug. People using antipsychotic drugs, such as MAO, also should not use D-Phenylalanine, as it may increase the risk of tardive dyskinesia.

There are no long-term studies of the effects of D-Phenylalanine on the fetus, infants, or small children, or people with liver or kidney disease. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are advised not to use this supplement.

Recommended D-Phenylalanine Supplement

We have stumbled upon a company that produces a product that provides the highest quality of D-Phenylalanine is Xtend-Life Natural Products from New Zealand. Xtend-Life has one of the strictest regulatory environments in the world for the manufacture of dietary supplements, far exceeding U.S. FDA standards.

Their flagship product, Total Balance, contains standardized D-Phenylalanine, along with many other potent herbal supplement extracts, numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other speciality nutrients, many of which are documented in this site.

We here at www.InstantHealthSecret.com personally take Xtend-Life's Total Balance as the foundation of our own health regimen and have achieved excellent results: we have noticed an increase in energy, mental acuity, and general sense of well-being.