DLPA | DL-Phenylalanine

DLPA | DL-Phenylalanine

Properties: DLPA is an exogenous (available only from external sources) amino acid that is necessary for optimal functioning of the organism as it carries multiple healthy properties. It is a combination of two forms of amino acid phenylalanine. The L phenylalanine form is a precursor of dopamine and thereby benefits the mood by increasing its two key components: the sense of contentment and the level of motivation. It is also a substrate crucial for adrenaline and noradrenaline production. These two neurohormones stimulate physical activity but in the case of threat can help the organism to reach a high level of awareness. On the other hand, the D form of phenylalanine is a natural painkiller. Therefore DLPA is an excellent proposition for all those who are physically active and strive to intensify their workout without suffering from muscular pain. However, with DLPA supplementation there is no need for extreme training in order to improve the body shape. It has been proven that phenylalanine helps to reduce the calories intake and simultaneously increases fat burning during exercises. On that account, if you don’t feel like exercising more but you wish to complete your routine and see its results faster – DLPA is a good bet.

L-phenylalanine is absorbed well by the epidermis. This amino acid has the ability to keep the skin hydrated and therefore it is a component of Natural Moisturizing Factor – NMF. The factor includes substances responsible for smoothness and healthy look of the skin. L-phenylalanine not only has moisturizing properties but it also supports the hygroscopic attributes of other NMF’s components. As a result, skin becomes strengthened, more elastic, and regains youthful appearance – in sum, its condition noticeably improves. Therefore, LPA is often used in cosmetics recommended for any skin type, especially for dry, tight or scaly complexion. LPA’s additional advantages are its antistatic and conditioning effects. It makes hair brushing easier as it smoothes, polishes, moisturizes, and nourishes the hair surface. For these reasons L-phenylalanine is also used in cosmetics intended for hair care.

Occurrence: Phenylalanine, or more specifically L-phenylalanine (LDA) is a necessary exogenous amino acid. This means that it must be delivered to the organism with food. Its main sources are protein-rich animal-based products: meat (beef, pork, poultry), fish, eggs, milk, and cheese. Plant-based products that contain LDA are: nuts, soy beans, pastry, and grains. LDA is produced industrially using Escherichia coli bacteria strains. In nature, D-phenylalanine (DLA) is produced only as a result of metabolic processes in bacteria called  Bacillus brevis.

Biochemistry: DL-phenylalanine (DLPA) is a mixture of two forms of phenylalanine:  L-phenylalanine (LDA) and D-phenylalanine (DLA) that are combined in laboratory conditions. DLPA is highly absorbable and it easily crosses the brain-blood barrier. L-phenylalanine is a protein amino acid (Phe), which is an elementary building material of almost all proteins found in nature. It is also a precursor of L-tyrosine and therefore it influences the production of thyroid hormones, melanin (a pigment found in the skin), and neurotransmitters (dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline). Additionally, it optimizes the metabolism of lipids. D-phenylalanine, on the other hand, lowers the activity of nociceptors (pain receptors) and therefore functions as a natural painkiller.

Fun fact: Phenylalanine was mentioned for the first time in 1879 in articles written by E. Schulze and J. Barbieri on the topic of the yellow lupine cuttings (Lupinus luteus). Just three years later, in 1892, this amino acid was synthesized in laboratory conditions by E. Erlenmeyer and A. Lipp. In 1961, H. Matthey and M. W. Nirenberg discovered genes coding the expression of phenylalanine in the human genome.