Phenylalanine

What is Phenylalanine?

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that serves as a building block for proteins and is a precursor to important brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. It’s naturally found in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and some plant-based proteins. Since the body cannot produce it, it must be obtained through diet.

Why do I have an intolerance?

Intolerance to phenylalanine is most commonly seen in people with phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder where the body lacks the enzyme to break it down. This leads to a harmful buildup of phenylalanine in the blood, which can cause intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, and other neurological issues if untreated.

What can I do about it?

If you have an intolerance to phenylalanine, managing your intake is crucial. Adopting a low-protein diet and avoiding high-protein foods like meat and dairy can help. Specialized formulas that are low in phenylalanine are also available to ensure proper nutrition.