Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune chronic disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. The causes of multiple sclerosis are clearly defined and treatment mainly involves the management of the symptoms. Phenylalanine has been used in conjunction with vitamin B12 and lofepramine as a novel treatment for relieving the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Although the exact mechanism that this regime works is not understood, the results show improvement of the symptoms in the majority of the patients.
Multiple Sclerosis
In multiple sclerosis, the immune system produces antibodies that attack the cells of the myelin sheath of nerve cells. Gradually this protective and insulating material is destroyed; this results in slower transmission of the electrical pulses between the brain and different parts of the body. The website MedLinePlus reports that common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include poor coordination and balance, visual impairments, muscle weakness, cognitive problems and loss of bladder control.
General Treatment
A combination of physical, speech and occupational therapies may help relieve your symptoms and maintain a good quality of life. Healthy nutrition, exercise and rest can also help make you feel better. Some medicines can slow the progress of the disease and help relieve symptoms; however, many people with mild symptoms choose not to take any medication because of the serious side effects. Specific medicines address primary and secondary symptoms of multiple sclerosis, such as pain, urinary problems, constipation, erectile dysfunction and muscle stiffness. Your doctor can prescribe steroids during the flare-ups of the disease so that you can return to your daily routine faster.
Phenylalanine, Lofepramine and Vitamin B12 Treatment
A study published in the journal “Medical Hypotheses” reports that multiple sclerosis patients who received a combination of vitamin B12, phenylalanine and lofepramine improved all symptoms of multiple sclerosis within two to four weeks. MRI scans found that the improvement of the symptoms was accompanied by clear reduction in the lesions observed in the brain of multiple sclerosis patients.
You should discuss with your doctor the best approach to your symptoms.
Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is an essential amino-acid; it must be part of your diet because your body cannot synthesize it. The natural form of phenylalanine is L-phenylalanine. The D-form is produced in the laboratory. The body uses phenylalanine to produce tyrosine and subsequently vital brain chemicals and hormones. Symptoms of phenylalanine deficiency include confusion, lack of energy, depression, decreased alertness, memory problems and lack of appetite. The medical center of the University of Maryland reports that people suffering from the genetic metabolic disease phenylketonuria, or PKU, must eliminate phenylalanine from their diet. These patients lack the enzyme that metabolizes phenylalanine to tyrosine; the result is that phenylalanine accumulates in the body until it reaches toxic levels.
References
- “Neuroreport”; MRI Changes in Multiple Sclerosis Following Ttreatment with Lofepramine and L-phenylalanine; Puri B. K., et al.; July 2001
- “Medical Hypotheses”; Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis With Lofepramine, L-phenylalanine and Vitamin B(12): Mechanism Of Action and Clinical Importance: Roles Of The Locus Coeruleus and Central Noradrenergic Systems; Loder C., et al.; November 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Phenylalanine; June 2009
- MedlinePlus: Multiple Sclerosis
- FamilyDoctor.org: Medicines to Treat Multiple Sclerosis
