Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

L-Phenylalanine has been traditionally used as a natural remedy in the context of supporting addiction recovery, particularly for substance abuse such as alcohol, drugs, and even food cravings. The rationale behind its use stems from its role as an essential amino acid and a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Since dopamine pathways are often implicated in the reward mechanisms of addiction, it has been hypothesized that supplementing with L-phenylalanine may help restore dopamine levels, thereby alleviating cravings and improving mood during withdrawal or recovery phases. This practice is most prominent in orthomolecular and alternative medicine circles, especially since the 1970s and 1980s, when amino acid therapy gained popularity as an adjunct in addiction treatment protocols.

However, while there is a biochemical basis for the theory, robust scientific validation is lacking. Most clinical evidence comes from small, older studies or anecdotal reports, rather than large, well-controlled clinical trials. L-Phenylalanine is not considered a primary or standalone treatment for addiction in conventional medicine, and its use is not widely endorsed by addiction specialists or medical guidelines. Side effects and contraindications, such as in individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), also limit its use. In summary, while there is a historical and theoretical rationale for using L-phenylalanine in addiction recovery, strong scientific evidence to support its efficacy is currently insufficient.

More about L-phenylalanine
More about Addictions (general remedies for)

Other ingredients used for Addictions (general remedies for)

Other health conditions supported by L-phenylalanine

Products containing L-phenylalanine

Designs For Health Amino Acid Supreme™
Designs For Health Amino Acid Synergy
Thorne Amino Complex Berry
Thorne Amino Complex Lemon
Pure Encapsulations Amino-NR
Pure Encapsulations Amino Replete
Metagenics BioPure Protein® Powder
Pure Encapsulations CarbCrave Complex
Pure Encapsulations Cognitive Aminos
Pure Encapsulations DL-Phenylalanine
Pure Encapsulations Essential Aminos
Douglas Laboratories Free Form Amino
Klean Athlete Klean Essential Aminos + HMB®
Klean Athlete Klean Isolate ™
Douglas Laboratories Muscle Protect™ with HMB®
Pure Encapsulations NeuroMood Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations NeuroPure
Metagenics Perfect Protein® Pea & Rice Chocolate Powder
Metagenics Perfect Protein Pea & Rice Vanilla Powder
Metagenics Perfect Protein Whey Chocolate
Metagenics Perfect Protein Whey Vanilla
Pure Encapsulations Phyto UltraComfort
Vitabase Super Fat Burner
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control® Chocolate
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control Chocolate
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish® Chocolate
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish Chocolate
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics UltraMeal Advanced Protein® Dutch Chocolate
Metagenics UltraMeal Advanced Protein French Vanilla
Metagenics UltraMeal Advanced Protein Plain
Metagenics UltraMeal Cardio 360°® Pea/Rice Chocolate
Metagenics UltraMeal Cardio 360° Pea/Rice Vanilla