Evidence supporting the use of: DL-phenylalanine
For the body system: Dopamine

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

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

DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) is a mixture of the D- and L- isomers of phenylalanine, an essential amino acid. It is sometimes used as a dietary supplement to support the dopamine system, because L-phenylalanine is a precursor in the biosynthesis of tyrosine, which subsequently serves as a precursor for dopamine production. There is a biochemical rationale: L-phenylalanine is converted to tyrosine, then to L-DOPA, and finally to dopamine. Some small-scale studies and case reports from the 1970s and 1980s explored the use of DLPA for mood disorders and chronic pain, conditions that may involve dopamine dysregulation. However, robust clinical evidence supporting DLPA's effectiveness in increasing dopamine or treating dopamine-related disorders is limited.

More recent reviews and clinical guidelines do not list DL-phenylalanine as a recommended treatment for Parkinson's disease, depression, or other dopamine-deficiency conditions. While DLPA may theoretically support dopamine synthesis, there is insufficient clinical trial data to confirm significant benefits in humans. The evidence is stronger for L-phenylalanine in rare cases of phenylketonuria (PKU) management, rather than for general dopamine support. Thus, use of DL-phenylalanine for the dopamine system is primarily justified by biochemical plausibility and limited early studies, but not by strong clinical validation.

More about DL-phenylalanine
More about Dopamine

Other body systems supported by DL-phenylalanine

Brain
Dopamine
Nerves

Products containing DL-phenylalanine

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