Nutriely

Components -> Amino acids -> Amino acids

Nutrition Facts For Phenylalanine

Quick Links
Nutrition Facts Phenylalanine Daily Requirement Calculator Foods With Phenylalanine
Share With

Common Questions About Phenylalanine

What is Phenylalanine?

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, meaning it cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained from the diet. It is a building block of proteins and is found in various foods such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and some plant-based sources.

What is Phenylalanine do for the body?

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that plays a key role in the synthesis of proteins. It is also a precursor for the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which are essential for nerve function and mood regulation.

How much Phenylalanine do I need?

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for Phenylalanine is 33 mg per kilogram of body weight for adults. However, individual needs may vary based on factors such as age, gender, and overall health. It's important to maintain a balanced diet that includes adequate amounts of protein to ensure sufficient intake of Phenylalanine.

What are the health benefits of Phenylalanine?

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that plays a key role in the production of proteins and neurotransmitters. It is important for the synthesis of dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, which are essential for mood regulation and stress response. Additionally, phenylalanine helps support thyroid function and is involved in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color.

What are the health risks associated with phenylalanine?

Phenylalanine is generally safe for most people when consumed in appropriate amounts from food sources. However, individuals with a rare genetic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU) need to avoid phenylalanine as their bodies cannot metabolize it properly. Consuming phenylalanine in these cases can lead to a dangerous buildup of this amino acid in the body, potentially causing serious health issues. It's important for individuals with PKU to follow a strict low-phenylalanine diet and consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.

Can Phenylalanine be harmful?

Phenylalanine can be harmful for individuals with the rare genetic disorder Phenylketonuria (PKU). People with PKU are unable to metabolize phenylalanine, leading to a buildup of this amino acid in the body, which can cause serious health issues. For the general population, phenylalanine is considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts from natural food sources.

What if your Phenylalanine is low?

Low levels of phenylalanine may indicate a phenylalanine deficiency, which can lead to impaired cognitive function, skin issues, and slow growth in children. It's important to consume phenylalanine-rich foods such as eggs, dairy products, seafood, lean meats, and certain plant-based sources like soybeans and lentils to maintain optimal levels.

How do vegans get their Phenylalanine intake?

Vegans can get their Phenylalanine intake from plant-based sources such as soybeans, peanuts, almonds, lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds. These foods are rich in Phenylalanine and can help vegans meet their dietary requirements for this essential amino acid.

Phenylalanine Daily Requirement Calculator

or
or
Phenylalanine Daily Suggested Intake:
1.2g

What you eat matters.
Start tracking today.

Get started Learn more

Foods With High Phenylalanine

Filters

Subscribe to our newsletter.

What you eat matters.

Nutrition Articles
Interesting analysis, research and nutrition news.
Feature News
Stay updated as we release new features.