Wrinkles

Why is phenylalanine bad?

Phenylalanine can cause intellectual disabilities, brain damage, seizures and other problems in people with PKU . Phenylalanine occurs naturally in many protein-rich foods, such as milk, eggs and meat. Phenylalanine is also sold as a dietary supplement.

What are the side effects of phenylalanine?

Side effects may include:

  • Heartburn.
  • Fatigue.
  • Nausea.
  • Constipation.
  • Dizziness.
  • Headache.
  • Anxiety and hypomania (a milder form of mania)
  • Sedation.

Is phenylalanine safe to eat?

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.

Why do drinks contain phenylalanine?

Some bottled drinks have on their label "Contains a source of phenylalanine". Is this a good or bad thing? Phenylalanine is an amino acid which the body cannot manufacture itself. It must be acquired from foodstuffs, notably cheese and meat.

What does phenylalanine do in the brain?

The high plasma phenylalanine concentrations increase phenylalanine entry into brain and restrict the entry of other large neutral amino acids. In the literature, emphasis has been on high brain phenylalanine as the pathological substrate that causes mental retardation.

Is phenylalanine bad for your liver?

Phenylalanine is thought to mediate or exacerbate hepatic encephalopathy, and an impaired liver may not be able to cope with the ammoniagenic properties of the amino acid constituents, or adequately metabolize methanol.

What happens if you have too much phenylalanine?

A musty odor in the breath, skin or urine, caused by too much phenylalanine in the body. Neurological problems that may include seizures. Skin rashes (eczema) Fair skin and blue eyes, because phenylalanine can't transform into melanin — the pigment responsible for hair and skin tone.

Is phenylalanine bad in gum?

Side effects of chewing sugar-free gum The phenylalanine in aspartame can be dangerous for people who have an inherited disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU). Excessive use of sorbitol has been reported to cause problems with digestion, such as diarrhea and, in some rare cases, dramatic and unwanted weight loss.