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D, L-Phenylalanine And Cofactors

D, L-Phenylalanine And Cofactors

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D, L-Phenylalanine And Cofactors

  • D, L-Phenylalanine 500 mg with a 50/50 mixture of its two stereoisomers.
  • Homocysteine Resist with the most potent forms of VITAMIN B 2, 6, 12 & Folate which may encourage neurotransmitter synthesis for cognitive health

This stack is based on the stereo isomers of phenylalanine and the important cofactors to encourage neurotransmitter synthesis for optimal cognitive health and mood. You might want to add a little vitamin C, but we figured you might be already taking that.

Supplementing with D, L-phenylalanine has been shown to boost dopamine levels and function. D, L-phenylalanine has both isomers of phenylalanine that are considered a mirror image of each other. 

L-phenylalanine is found naturally, while D-phenylalanine must be synthesized in a lab. L-phenylalanine is converted to L-tyrosine in the liver to eventually cross the blood-brain barrier, where it is then used for catecholamine synthesis.

D-phenylalanine is an inhibitor of enzymes that inactivate enkephalins. Enkephalins are naturally occurring morphine-like peptides that function to reduce pain. By blocking enzymes from degrading enkephalins, D-phenylalanine can reduce pain severity. Phenylalanine is the only amino acid other than methionine in which both isomers, L and D, are readily absorbed. Life Extension's D, L-Phenylalanine is 50% D-phenylalanine and 50% L-phenylalanine, making it clinically useful as a neurotransmitter precursor and as a potential pain mediator.

Phenylalanine's journey to Dopamine and Epinephrine.

Dopamine is perhaps the most well-known neurotransmitter, at is plays a huge role in regulating good mood, sex drive, motivation, reward, cycles of addiction, and satiation. The pathway of catecholamine synthesis is as follows: phenylalanine to tyrosine to L-DOPA to dopamine to norepinephrine to epinephrine.

When the body is deprived of phenylalanine/tyrosine, such as in the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) or malnutrition, dopamine synthesis and transmission is greatly reduced. Low dopamine can hinder synthesis of the other catecholamines, cause feelings of depression and lethargy, impede motor function and cognitive abilities, and lead to overeating and addictive behaviors.

Phenylalanine may cause anxiety, high blood pressure, and headache. Do not use if you have phenylketonuria. Do not use phenylalanine or tyrosine if you have cancer or muscular dystrophy. Because phenylalanine can elevate blood pressure in hypertensives, consult your healthcare practitioner if you have hypertension. Insomnia may occur from overstimulation if taken too close to bedtime.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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