Phenylalanine can help with weight control because it participates in processes that regulate food intake and give the body a feeling of satiety. Phenylalanine is an amino acid that can be found naturally in foods rich in protein, such as meat, fish and milk and dairy products, and in the form of supplements sold in pharmacies and health food stores.
The use of phenylalanine supplements must be prescribed by the doctor or nutritionist and is contraindicated for people with problems such as hypertension, heart disease and pregnant women.
Action of phenylalanine on hunger control
Phenylalanine acts in the control of hunger because it participates in the formation of dopamine and norepinephrine, substances that are important for the regulation of food intake and that are also involved in the control of learning, mood and memory. In addition, phenylalanine stimulates the production of the cholecystokinin hormone, which acts in the intestine and gives the body a feeling of satiety.
Usually the recommended dose of phenylalanine is 1000 to 2000 mg per day, but it varies according to the person's characteristics, such as age, physical activity and the presence of problems such as stress and anxiety. However, phenylalanine supplementation alone is not enough to lose weight, since weight loss only happens when there is also a healthy diet.
Foods high in phenylalanine
Phenylalanine supplement
Care that must be taken with phenylalanine supplementation
You need to be careful with phenylalanine supplementation because the excess of this amino acid can have side effects such as heartburn, nausea and headache. Phenylalanine is also contraindicated in cases of:
- Heart diseases;
- Hypertension;
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women;
- People who take drugs to treat depression or other psychological disorders;
- People with phenylketonuria.
Thus, supplementation of phenylalanine should be guided by the doctor or nutritionist to ensure its beneficial effects.
Foods high in phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is naturally present in foods rich in protein, such as meat, fish, milk and dairy products, nuts, soybeans, beans and corn. The consumption of phenylalanine in the diet does not pose health risks and only people with phenylketonuria should avoid these foods. See a complete list of Phenylalanine-rich foods.
If you are looking to lose weight, see also:
- Weight loss fast
- How to make a healthy diet to lose weight
Was this information helpful?
Yes No
Your opinion is important! Write here how we can improve our text:
Any questions? Click here to be answered.
Email in which you want to receive a reply:
Check the confirmation email we sent you.
Your name:
Reason for visit:
--- Choose your reason --- DiseaseLive betterHelp another personGain knowledge
Are you a health professional?
NoMedicalPharmaceuticalsNurseNutritionistBiomedicalPhysiotherapistBeauticianOther
