Furthermore, those with phenylketonuria PKU should monitor their intake of the amino acid carefully. Dangerously high blood concentrations of phenylalanine can cause severe brain damage, delayed growth, intellectual disability, and problems with the transport of other amino acids to the brain 5 , 33 , PKU is also associated with several other disorders, including epilepsy, overactive reflexes, and neurological issues like tics or tremors.
Due to the seriousness of this disorder, newborns are generally screened for it soon after birth Individuals with PKU are placed on a special low protein diet to limit their intake of phenylalanine, which is generally maintained for life 5.
For healthy adults, phenylalanine is considered safe in the quantities found naturally in foods. However, individuals with phenylketonuria PKU cannot metabolize it and must minimize their intake to prevent adverse health effects.
Many high protein plant and animal foods contain phenylalanine, including meat, fish, poultry, and legumes. Here are some of the top food sources of phenylalanine 4 :. Instead, eating a variety of protein-rich foods throughout the day will provide you with all the phenylalanine you need, along with other essential amino acids and nutrients. Many foods, including soy products, eggs, seafood, and meats, contain phenylalanine. Eating a variety of protein-rich foods throughout the day will provide you with the amino acids your body needs, including phenylalanine.
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid found in both plant and animal foods. It may benefit the skin disorder vitiligo, but research on its effects on depression, pain, and other conditions is limited. If you notice any negative side effects after taking a phenylalanine supplement or eating high protein foods, talk with your doctor.
They can test your amino acid blood levels and help determine the best course of treatment for you. Your body forms thousands of different types of protein — all crucial to your health.
Here are 9 important functions of the protein in your body. Find a Nutrition Expert. Freshly Picked. Apple-Blueberry Crumble Recipe. Find Nutrition Experts. Aspartame in large doses can cause a rapid increase in brain levels of phenylalanine. Because of this, use products with aspartame cautiously if you:.
If you aren't sure if phenylalanine or aspartame is a concern for you, talk to your doctor. A blood test to determine if you have PKU is available and is now routinely done as part of newborn screening. Katherine Zeratsky, R. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.
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A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. In general, foods that are high in protein are also rich in phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is involved in the production of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which are essential for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system.
Phenylalanine also helps with the production of the pigment melanin, which gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. Most people can consume phenylalanine without any risk of side effects. However, some people have the rare metabolic condition PKU, which causes the body to be unable to break down phenylalanine. This can lead to harmful levels of phenylalanine in the body. So, people with PKU must be cautious about the amount of phenylalanine they consume.
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