Accession NumberHMDB00159
Common_NameL-Phenylalanine
DescriptionPhenylalanine is an essential amino acid and the precursor for the amino acid tyrosine. Like tyrosine, it is the precursor of catecholamines in the body (tyramine, dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine). The psychotropic drugs (mescaline, morphine, codeine, and papaverine) also have phenylalanine as a constituent. Phenylalanine is a precursor of the neurotransmitters called catecholamines, which are adrenalin-like substances. Phenylalanine is highly concentrated in the human brain and plasma. Normal metabolism of phenylalanine requires biopterin, iron, niacin, vitamin B6, copper and vitamin C. An average adult ingests 5 g of phenylalanine per day and may optimally need up to 8 g daily. Phenylalanine is highly concentrated in high protein foods, such as meat, cottage cheese and wheat germ. A new dietary source of phenylalanine is artificial sweeteners containing aspartame. Aspartame appears to be nutritious except in hot beverages; however, it should be avoided by phenylketonurics and pregnant women. Phenylketonurics, who have a genetic error of phenylalanine metabolism, have elevated serum plasma levels of phenylalanine up to 400 times normal. Mild phenylketonuria can be an unsuspected cause of hyperactivity, learning problems, and other developmental problems in children. Phenylalanine can be an effective pain reliever. Its use in premenstrual syndrome and Parkinson's may enhance the effects of acupuncture and electric transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS). Phenylalanine and tyrosine, like L-dopa, produce a catecholamine effect. Phenylalanine is better absorbed than tyrosine and may cause fewer headaches. Low phenylalanine diets have been prescribed for certain cancers with mixed results. Some tumors use more phenylalanine (particularly melatonin-producing tumors called melanoma). One strategy is to exclude this amino acid from the diet, i.e., a Phenylketonuria (PKU) diet (compliance is a difficult issue; it is hard to quantify and is under-researched). The other strategy is just to increase phenylalanine's competing amino acids, i.e., tryptophan, valine, isoleucine and leucine, but not tyrosine. (http://www.dcnutrition.com)
Chemical_IUPAC_Name2-amino-3-phenyl-propanoic acid
Chemical FormulaC9H11NO2
Sample ConcentrationNot Available
Mass Value1
Mass Unitmg
ManufacturerQuattro_QQQ
AnalyzerTriple_Quad
DeliveryFlow_Injection
IonizationPositive
Predicted 1H NMR SpectrumDownload
Predicted 1H NMR PeaklistDownload
Predicted 13C NMR SpectrumDownload
Predicted 13C NMR PeaklistDownload
Sample ConcentrationNot Available
Mass ValueNot Available
Mass UnitNot Available
ManufacturerNot Available
FrequencyNot Available
1H NMR Spectrum
Sample ConcentrationNot Available
Mass ValueNot Available
Mass UnitNot Available
ManufacturerNot Available
FrequencyNot Available
13C NMR Spectrum
Low Energy Voltage10
Low Energy SpectrumDownload
Low Energy PeaklistDownload
Medium Energy SpectrumDownload
High Energy SpectrumDownload