L-Phenylalanine vs L-Tyrosine: An Overview
What is L-Phenylalanine?
L-phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, meaning the body cannot produce it and must be obtained through diet. It is a building block for proteins and plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes [1]. L-phenylalanine is primarily metabolized through the tyrosine pathway, the primary route used to degrade dietary phenylalanine [1].
What is L-Tyrosine?
L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can produce it primarily from phenylalanine via the tyrosine pathway [1]. It contains a highly reactive α-amino, α-carboxyl, and phenolic hydroxyl group, which can be derivatized to produce various pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics chemicals [2].
L-Phenylalanine vs L-Tyrosine: Uses
Uses of L-Phenylalanine
In Our body: L-Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes. It is a building block for proteins, contributing to their structure and function [1].
Food industry: In the food industry, L-Phenylalanine is widely used in the production of aspartame, a low-calorie sweetener. This application mainly benefits individuals seeking to reduce sugar intake without sacrificing sweetness [3].
Medical field: L-Phenylalanine is used to treat certain medical conditions. For instance, in cases of phenylketonuria, a genetic disorder that leads to the accumulation of phenylalanine, dietary restriction of this amino acid is a common therapeutic approach [1].
Uses of L-Tyrosine
L-tyrosine is necessary for synthesizing melanin pigments responsible for the colour of our skin, hair, and eyes [1].
Pharmaceutical Industry: L-Tyrosine is used in the production of various chemicals, such as L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, tyramine, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid, and benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. These compounds have broad applications in treating different health conditions [2].
Supplements: L-Tyrosine is used in dietary supplements to improve alertness, attention, and focus. It is also believed to help the body adapt to stressful situations, although more research is needed to confirm these effects.
L-Phenylalanine vs L-Tyrosine: Side Effects
Side Effects of Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine can have profound implications for individuals with a genetic disorder known as phenylketonuria (PKU). People with PKU are unable to properly process phenylalanine, leading to its accumulation in the body. This build-up can cause a range of adverse side effects, including brain damage [4, 5].
In addition, phenylalanine can competitively inhibit tyrosine transport across the blood-brain barrier, which could contribute to some of the neurotoxic effects observed in PKU [6, 7].
Side Effects of Tyrosine
Tyrosine is generally considered safe for most people when taken in amounts found in foods or medicinal amounts for a short period. However, it can cause side effects such as nausea, headache, fatigue, heartburn, and joint pain. It might also cause some people to feel anxious.
It's important to note that these side effects are uncommon and may not occur in everyone. If you're considering taking supplements containing these amino acids, consulting with a healthcare provider is always a good idea.
Choosing What’s Right For You
When choosing between L-phenylalanine and L-Tyrosine, it's essential to consider their roles and interactions in the body. Both are amino acids, but they serve different functions and are processed differently.
The choice between L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine depends on individual needs and circumstances. It's always best to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.