Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that is found in most foods that contain protein, i.e. meat, dairy, cereals, vegetables, vegetables and seafood (also found in some light products). From a nutrition point of view, it is considered that phenylalanine is essential because the body cannot produce this amino acid but does need it to develop multiple functions of our body.
The role of phenylalanine for good health
Firstly, phenylalanine allows our brain to produce noradrenaline, which enables the correct communication between our neurons and, on the other hand, norepinephrine is involved in various brain functions (in care, in the sympathetic nervous system or in relation to the stress hormone). It also serves to improve our mood and is considered that it acts as an antidepressant. On the other hand, reduces the sensation of pain because it acts as an analgesic and helps in the formation of collagen (in this sense it is useful for the health of the hair, nails and skin). Likewise, helps regulate the heart rate and increases the levels of endorphins (endorphins are natural opiates generated by the body and are related to multiple aspects of a healthy lifestyle and pleasure). You can be seen, therefore, that the phenylalanine has a key role in our quality of life.
Consumption and precautions
The required levels of phenylalanine are obtained with a balanced and varied diet. However, it should be noted that certain people not adequately synthesize phenylalanine and this is what happens to the phenylketonuric. This congenital disorder has serious consequences and affects motor skills and intellectual capacity. Aside from this exceptional disease, phenylalanine that is obtained from the diet should moderate in the case of pregnant women. In fact, when there is an excess of this amino acid in the blood of pregnant women, it can produce mentioned phenylketonuria and end up affecting the fetus. This is why gynecologists recommend that during pregnancy a number of food and beverage, to avoid as they contain high levels of phenylalanine (sweets, soft drinks, dietary foods or excess of dairy products).
The importance of diet
Essential amino acids are those which are obtained only by food intake. There is a wide list of essential amino acids (Leucine, methionine, threonine, valine, or the aforementioned phenylalanine). Without these and other amino acids are produced all types of alterations and serious health problems. As a result, a healthy diet should include nutrients, i.e., the amino acids that the body does not produce spontaneously and that obtained from the food we eat.