The amino acid L-phenylalanine is a necessary precursor in alleviating Parkinson’s Disease. Low levels of the neurotransmitter (chemical messengers of the brain) dopamine characterize Parkinson’s Disease. Steps in the body that synthesize amino acids produce dopamine.

L-phenylalanine is an amino acid that is synthesized into the amino acid tyrosine. "Tyrosine is first hydroxylated to form 3,4dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa) (Ref. Robert K. Murray, MD, Ph.D., Daryl K. Granmer, MD, Peter A. Mayes, Ph.D., D.Sc., Victor W. Fodwell, Ph.D., Harper’s Biochemistry, 25^th Edition, Appleton & Lance, Stanford, Connecticut, 2000, Page 266)." The amino acid tyrosine is synthesized into the amino acid L-dopa. L-dopa is synthesized into dopamine. These chemical processes describe the building blocks of dopamine, starting with the amino acid L-phenylalanine. L-phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, meaning it is not synthesized by your body. On the other hand the amino acid tyrosine is not essential and is built from L-phenylalanine. Tyrosine is also a supplement and Parkinson’s patients can supplement tyrosine directly, bypassing supplementing or eating foods that contains L-phenylalanine. However, as described in this article, tyrosine is synthesized into 3,4 dihydroxyl-phenylalanine (L-dopa). L-dopa is an important precursor in the process of producing dopamine and it also contains phenylalanine as part of its structure. L-phenylalanine is therefore necessary to produce L-dopa. This chemical process of tyrosine being converted into L-dopa is the rate-limiting step in producing dopamine. "Tyrosine is the immediate precursor of catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine), and tyrosine hydroxlase is the rate-limiting step enzyme in catecholamine synthesis (Harper’s Biochemistry, Page 588). Thus the availability of tyrosine and L-phenylalanine and the efficiency of the chemical steps involved control the amount of L-dopa produced.

In conclusion, Parkinson’s patients can consider supplementing both tyrosine and L-phenylalanine, to help produce the catecholamines. This can help maintain higher levels of catecholamines, which will help produce and conserve more dopamine.

Note – In order for these anti-aging ideas to be successful, you must use supplements of the highest quality. Dr. Bob often said, "almost all supplement companies produce poor quality." You can consider the product page of this web site. Almost all the products met Dr. Bob’s approval. Since he passed away we have attempted to keep the same high standards.

WARNING:  DO NOT STOP ANY TREATMENT OR MEDICATION YOU CURRENTLY USE.  CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING THE USE OF SUPPLEMENTS. 

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