Depression can significantly damage your well-being and overall ability to function. According to the World Health Organization, as many as 121 million people around the world suffer some form of depression. Traditional depression treatment usually includes medication or psychotherapy. However, research has shown the benefits of natural treatments, like phenylalanine, on depressive symptoms.
Importance of Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is a naturally-occurring amino acid in dietary sources such as proteins like beef, cheese and fish, as well as artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Since your body can't make phenylalanine, you must obtain it from food. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, your body requires phenylalanine for the manufacture of tyrosine, which plays a role in the production of certain neurotransmitters, or brain chemicals responsible for signal transmission and mood regulation, such as L-dopa, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. A deficiency of phenylalanine can impact the production of these neurotransmitters and result in symptoms such as confusion, memory problems, appetite changes and depression. Some research has shown that depression may be helped by phenylalanine supplementation.
About Depression
Depression is a real medical illness; it's not something you imagine or can consciously influence. It can cause prolonged periods of depressed mood, crying spells, irritability, anxiety, sleep and appetite changes, a lack of self-esteem and a loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed. Low levels of neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, may play a role in the development of depressive disorders. Other factors, such as genetics, diet, social concerns and psychological influences, can also affect depression. Interesting research has shown the possible benefits of natural supplements, like phenylalanine, on depressive symptoms.
Clinical Evidence: Benefits of Phenylalanine
A number of clinical studies have confirmed the benefits of phenylalanine supplementation for depression. One study, published in the January 1975 issue of the German journal "Arzneimittel-Forschung" ("Drug Research") showed that phenylalanine supplementation had a beneficial impact on 17 out of 23 study participants who were previously resistant to antidepressant treatment. Another study, published in the March 1991 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry," showed that a combination of the drug selegiline and phenylalanine produced mood-elevating effects within a few hours in nine out of 10 study participants suffering from a major depressive episode. An additional study, published in 1984 in the "Journal of Neural Transmission," showed that a combination of l-deprenyl, or selegiline, and l-phenylalanine had an antipdepressant effect on 90 percent of outpatients and 80.5 percent of inpatient study participants.
Considerations
While there is sufficient evidence to support claims that phenylalanine helps depression, you should not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional medical treatment. If you think you are depressed, consult your physician or a licensed mental health clinician. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat your symptoms. Depression can worsen if not properly treated. Consult your doctor before using a phenylalanine supplement.
References
- World Health Organization: Depression
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Phenylalanine
- "Arzneimittel-Forschung"; Therapy of Depression by Phenylalanine, Preliminary Note; E. Fischer, et al; January 1975
- "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry"; Rapid Treatment of Depression With Selegiline-Phenylalanine Combination; H. Sabelli; March 1991
- "Journal of Neural Transmission"; L-deprenyl Plus l-phenylalanine in the Treatment of Depression; W. Birkmayer, et al; 1984
