Re: Re:What is DL-Phenylalanine

[Guest guest]

DLP is short for DL-Phenylalanine. It is a combo of 2 amino acids that usually can be purchased on line or at a health food store. The day my husband started it he no longer had depression and he had additional energy. It is also supposed to help with pain. He started by taking 500mg twice a day. One in the morning before eating. Then one in the afternoon before eating. He only takes the morning one now and does just great. When we take the kids to Disneyland he also takes the afternoon pill and he seems to stay in a happy mood and has more energy into the evening. It does not seem to effect his being able to sleep at night. Dr. Bihari recommends using the Solaray brand, and just recently we had to try another brand and I really think I notice a difference. I will be lording the Solaray brand again.

Below are some earlier posts regarding DLP.

Aletha

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Low Dose Naltrexone Forum - DL-Phenylalanine 500mg 2x's per day Dr. Bihari recommendshttp://ldn.proboards3.com/index.cgi?board=forum & action=display & thread=1091283259

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DL-phenylalanine markedly potentiates opiate analgesia - an example of nutrient/pharmaceutical up-regulation of the endogenous analgesia system by AL, McCarty MF.Brampton Pain Clinic, Bramalea, Ontario, Canada. Med Hypotheses 2000 Oct;55(4):283-8ABSTRACT

In the author's clinical experience, concurrent treatment with DL-phenylalanine (DLPA) often appears to potentiate pain relief and also ease depression in patients receiving opiates for chronic non-malignant pain. An analysis of this phenomenon suggests that it may be mediated, at least in part, by up-regulation of the 'endogenous analgesia system' (EAS), a neural pathway that projects caudally from medullary nuclei to the dorsal horn of the spinal column; when stimulated by chronic pain or therapeutic measures such as opiates or acupuncture, the EAS suppresses activation of second-order pain-receptive neurons in the dorsal horn, and thereby alleviates pain. Since serotonin and enkephalins are key neurotransmitters in the EAS, it is reasonable to predict that measures which promote serotonin activity (such as 5-hydroxytryptophan and serotonin-reuptake inhibitors) as well as enkephalin activity (such as D-phenylalanine, an enkephalinase inhibitor) should potentiate EAS-mediated analgesia - a view consistent with much previous medical research. Comprehensive support of the EAS with well-tolerated nutrients and pharmaceuticals may amplify the analgesic efficacy of chronic opiate therapy, while enabling dosage reductions that minimize opiate side-effects. Analogously, this approach may complement the efficacy of acupuncture and other analgesic measures that activate the EAS.

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-. D-phenylalanine is unique among amino acids because the D-form (normally not found in life) has biological activity, that is different from its L-stereoisomer. D-phenylalanine has been found to function as a pain reliever. DL-phenylalanine is a 50/50 mixture of the two stereoisomers. *****Dosage and use:

- Suggested dose is 500 to 1000 mg in the morning or afternoon.

- More may be necessary for depression or pain.

- These products are most effectively utilized when taken on an empty stomach mixed with juice or water.

- Adequate cofactors (vitamins B6 and C) should also be taken if not included with the product.

Caution:Cancer patients should avoid taking L-phenylalanine and L-Tyrosine. Certain cancers, such as melanoma, depend on these amino acids to fuel their growth. Supplemental use of L-phenylalanine and L-Tyrosine may raise or normalize blood pressure. Insomnia may occur from overstimulation if taken too close to bedtime

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DLPA is simple shorthand for DL-Phenylanlanine To the best of my limited knowledge, DLPA DL-Phenylanlanine is like saying “Rio Grande River”.

L-phenylalanine (LPA) serves as a building block for the various proteins that are produced in the body. LPA can be converted to L-tyrosine (another amino acid) and subsequently to L-dopa, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. LPA can also be converted (through a separate pathway) to phenylethylamine, a substance that occurs naturally in the brain and appears to elevate mood.

D-phenylalanine (DPA) is not normally found in the body and cannot be converted to L-tyrosine, L-dopa, or norepinephrine. As a result, DPA is converted primarily to phenylethylamine (the potential mood elevator). DPA also appears to influence certain chemicals in the brain that relate to pain sensation.

DLPA is a mixture of LPA and its mirror image DPA. DLPA (or the D- or L-form alone) has been used to treat depression among other things.

Regards,

Bruce Guilmette, Ph.D.

Survive Cancer Foundation, Inc.

http://www.survivecancer.net

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Guidelines for Use As with other amino acid supplements, it's best to take DLPA on an empty stomach with water or juice about an hour before meals. High-protein foods, in particular, can interfere with proper absorption.Store in a cool, dry place, such as a closet shelf, away from heat, light, and moisture. (Avoid the humid bathroom medicine cabinet.) General Interaction Because DLPA exerts its effects through the central nervous system, avoid taking it with prescription antidepressants or stimulants, unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor.Some research indicates that DLPA can exacerbate facial tics and other symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, a troubling movement disorder caused by long-term use of antipsychotic medicines. Stop taking DLPA and consult your doctor if you are concerned about a reaction you are having.As with other amino acids, DLPA may interfere with the effects of levodopa, a drug commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease. Don't combine the two.Possible Side Effects At recommended doses, DLPA occasionally causes mild side effects, such as heartburn, nausea, or headaches. At excessive doses (more than 1,500 mg a day), it can cause numbness, tingling, or other signs of nerve damage.DLPA may have the unwanted effect of raising blood pressure, although the D, L combination form is less likely to do so than supplements containing only the "L" form of the amino acid. Cautions Use DLPA under the supervision of a doctor familiar with its use. When taken in high doses--greater than 1,500 mg a day--over prolonged periods of time, nerve damage may develop. Lower doses appear to be safe.If you have high blood pressure or are prone to anxiety or panic attacks, DLPA could seriously aggravate your condition. Let your doctor know if signs or symptoms worsen while taking DLPA.Pregnant women should not take DLPA, since it has not been well studied in this group. If you are planning to become pregnant, let your doctor know.If you have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer, some doctors caution against taking DLPA. There has been some concern that phenylalanine could stimulate the cancer cells, although the connection, if any, remains unclear.Do not take DLPA if you have phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare, inherited metabolism disorder. People with this disease lack an enzyme that converts phenylalanine to tyrosine and must follow very strict dietary guidelines to prevent toxic damage to the nervous system.Even though DLPA is a potent depression fighter, it should not be used for this condition at the expense of other health-promoting strategies, such as exercise and a healthy diet.Ailments Dosage Chronic Pain Up to 1,500 mg a day in 2 or 3 divided doses between meals