Anxiety is a normal part of life. When you experience stressful situations, you may experience a certain level of worry, anxiety and tension. However, if you continue to experience these feelings after the stressful situation subsides, you may have an anxiety disorder. While scientists aren't totally sure what causes anxiety disorders, a combination of biological, social and psychological factors is believed to play a role. Medication and psychotherapy may help. Additionally, certain dietary supplements may also be effective at alleviating symptoms of anxiety.
About Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is an amino acid required by your body for a variety of biological processes. It is an essential amino acid, which means that your body cannot manufacture it but must obtain it through dietary intake or supplements. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the three forms of phenylalanine include L-phenylalanine, found in protein-containing dietary sources such as meat, eggs, milk and poultry, D-phenylalanine, which is made in a laboratory, and DL-phenylalanine, which is a combination of D- and L-phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is also found in artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Both D- and DL-phenylalanine are sold commercially as dietary supplements. Your body needs phenylalanine to make tyrosine, an amino acid used to form norepinephrine, epinephrine and L-dopa, a precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine. These chemicals are important for maintaining mental health. A deficiency of phenylalanine can result in mental problems such as depression, confusion, appetite changes and other cognitive issues. A rare disorder, called PKU or phenylketonuria, can affect your body's ability to metabolize phenylalanine, which can cause a dangerous buildup of phenylalanine in your brain. This is a genetic condition that is detected at birth. If left untreated, brain damage, mental retardation or other mental disorders can occur, according to PubMed Health, a consumer health website produced by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Facts About Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are characterized by the presence of persistent feelings of anxiety and worry about normal, everyday situations. According to the Surgeon General, anxiety disorders are the most common mental-health disorders in the United States. While there are several subtypes of anxiety disorders, most share similar symptoms. Aside from chronic worry and anxiety, these symptoms can also include irritability, insomnia, appetite changes, panic, difficulty concentrating and unexplained physical aches and pains. Anxiety doesn't have to control your life, although it can feel that way. Certain treatment modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or other forms of psychotherapy or anti-anxiety medications are often beneficial. Additionally, some people experience relief from their symptoms through the use of dietary supplements, like phenylalanine, according to nutrition expert Gary Null in his book, "The Food-Mood-Body Connection."
Clinical Evidence
A few clinical studies have shown the effects of phenylalanine deficiency on anxiety, and there are no clinical studies to support the benefits of phenylalanine supplementation on anxiety symptoms. One study, published in the January 2002 issue of the "Journal of Psychopharmacology," studied the effects of phenylalanine and tyrosine depletion on healthy male volunteer study participants. Participants were divided into two groups. One group received a "nutritionally balanced" drink mixture, while the other group received a drink mixture that was deficient in phenylalanine and tyrosine. The latter group experienced increased anxiety as well as other cognitive problems. Another similar study, published in the January 2000 issue of the journal "Neuropsychopharmacology," studied the effects of phenylalanine and tyrosine depletion on healthy female volunteers subjected to a stress test. The results found these participants experienced more irritability, decreased energy levels and had a lowered mood after the stress test. However, most of the evidence that phenylalanine supplementation can reduce anxiety is anecdotal. More clinical studies need to be conducted to evaluate the benefits of phenylalanine supplementation for anxiety disorders.
Considerations
While some anecdotal evidence suggests that phenylalanine supplementation may help anxiety, too much phenylalanine can actually trigger anxiety. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, DL-phenylalanine can cause anxiety symptoms in children. If you think you have an anxiety disorder, do not attempt to self-diagnose your condition. Consult your doctor to discuss potential treatment options. Phenylalanine can cause interactions with certain medications. Do not use phenylalanine supplements unless under the supervision of a qualified health-care provider.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Phenylalanine
- PubMed Health: Phenylketonuria
- "Journal of Psychopharmacology"; Behavioural Effects of Acute Phenylalanine and Tyrosine Depletion...; E. Grevet, et al.; January 2002
- "The Food-Mood-Body Connection"; Gary Null; 2002
- "Neuropsychopharmacology"; Effects on Mood of Acute Phenylalanine/Tyrosine Depletion in Healthy Women; M. Leyton, et al.; January 2000
