Synopsis

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

L-phenylalanine is an essential amino acid and a direct dietary precursor to tyrosine, which is subsequently converted into L-DOPA and then dopamine in the body. Scientific rationale for its use in supporting the "dopamine system" arises from this biochemical pathway. Some studies and clinical practices, particularly in the context of Parkinson’s disease, have explored the supplementation of phenylalanine or tyrosine to support dopamine production when endogenous synthesis is compromised. However, evidence for its efficacy in healthy individuals or for general mood/cognitive enhancement is limited and inconsistent. Clinical trials have not robustly demonstrated that phenylalanine supplementation results in meaningful increases in brain dopamine or improves symptoms related to dopamine deficiency, except in rare metabolic conditions such as phenylketonuria (PKU) or specific cases of depression where other treatments have failed. Overall, the use of L-phenylalanine for general dopamine support is grounded in biochemistry, and there is some scientific investigation, but the translational evidence to practical benefit is relatively weak, resulting in a modest evidence rating.

More about L-phenylalanine
More about Dopamine

Other ingredients that support Dopamine

Other body systems 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