Phenylalanine
The amino acid Phenylalanine exists in two forms, the D- and L- forms. It has a phenyl side chain. L-Phenylalanine(LPA, C9H12NO2) is a neutral amino acid found in proteins, coded for by DNA. Its mirror image, D-phenylalanine (DPA), can be synthesized artificially.
L-phenylalanine is used in the human body, where it is an essential amino acid. L-Phenylalanine can also be converted into tyrosine. Tyrosine is converted into L-DOPA, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. D-phenylalanine can only be converted into phenylethylamine.
The genetic disorder phenylketonuria is an inability to metabolize phenylalanine.
The synthesized mix DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA), which is a combination of the D- and L- forms, is used as a nutritional supplement.
Phenylalanine is part of the composition of aspartame, a common sweetener found in prepared foods (particularly soft drinks). Due to phenylketonuria, products containing aspartame usually have a warning label that they contain phenylalanine, in compliance with U.S. FDA guidelines.
