The amino acid phenylalanine occurs in foods such as beef, dairy products and foods containing high amounts of protein, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Phenylalanine is the essential building block of new cells that help to restore your damaged cells. It helps to build up tissues in your muscles. This amino acid treats mental health problems such as depression. Before starting any supplement such as phenylalanine, talk to your doctor. Interactions with your medications may occur. Side effects also may occur when you use this supplement.
Side Effects
Side effects of this supplement include headaches, heartburn and nausea. If these side effects occur, speak to your doctor.
Aspartame
Aspartame, also known by the brand names NutraSweet and Equal, contains the supplement phenylalanine. People who have the disease phenylketonuria, or PKU, and other health conditions such as liver failure and kidney illness, should avoid this product. PKU, a hereditary disease, prevents the person suffering from it from being able to break down phenylalanine. This buildup of phenylalanine can produce retardation, seizures, hyperactivity, and skin, hair and fingernail changes. Many times, soft drinks and diet foods contain aspartame, and thus phenylalanine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires a warning on these food products, MayoClinic.com notes.
Phenylalanine Dosing
Doses of 5,000 mg daily could cause damage to nerves and nerve tissues. You should avoid taking a high dose of this supplement unless under the strict guidance of a physician. If toxicity occurs, your blood pressure may increase, and you may experience problems sleeping, severe headaches and agitation of your central nervous system, Vitamins-Supplements.org indicates. People with PKU and pregnant women should avoid this product. If you are breast-feeding, you need to avoid this supplemental product. If you have a history of melanomas, you should avoid this product. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about using phenylalanine as a supplement.
Medication Interactions
Do not start this supplement without the approval of your physician. Instances of increased tardive dyskinesia have been reported when you take antipsychotic medications along with phenylalanine. Tardive dyskinesia causes symptoms such as involuntary and repetitive movements of parts of the body including the tongue, face and eyes. The absorption of levodopa and baclofen, which treat Parkinson's disease's symptoms and back muscle spasms, may decrease in their treatment effectiveness, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports.
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