D, L-Phenylalanine

In addition to acting as a neurotransmitter that supports healthy mood and sleep, norepinephrine is now known to protect brain cells by promoting a healthy inflammatory response, inhibiting oxidative stress and supporting healthy neuronal growth and connectivity.²

Dopamine, though long associated with more primal aspects of brain function linking behaviors to rewards, is recognized now as a mediator of higher-order cognitive capacities.^3,4 The diminishment in brain catecholamine production that occurs with aging may be a contributing factor in normal age-related cognitive decline.^3,5 Providing catecholamine precursors can help support healthy cognitive function.⁶ The enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of tyrosine to dopamine may work more efficiently if its co-factors (vitamins B6 and C) are included.^7,8

Phenylalanine supplementation supports healthy neurotransmitter synthesis and clinical trials suggest it may promote positive moods.^9,10

Since both norepinephrine and epinephrine can cause smooth muscle (arterial) contraction, care with blood pressure should be taken when supplementing with phenylalanine.

D,L-phenylalanine is a 50/50 mixture of its two stereoisomers.

• Neurotransmitters – Phenylalanine is an amino acid. The liver converts it to L-tyrosine, which your body uses to make the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and adrenaline.
• Mood health – Phenylalanine supplementation helps your body synthesize neurotransmitters like dopamine. Studies suggest phenylalanine promotes mood health.Brain health – Phenylalanine also supports norepinephrine production. Norepinephrine protects brain cells by promoting a healthy inflammatory response and inhibiting oxidative stress.