PHENYLALANINE

What is it?

Phenylalanine is an amino acid.

It can be found in many foods including eggs, milk, bananas, and meat products.

Why does it need a warning?

Sometimes, mostly noticeable on diet soda, there is a warning which reads "WARNING: PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE". This may seem quite disturbing but really all this is indicating is the food in question contains the non-saccharide sweetener aspartame.

There are some people that have an enzyme deficiency that makes it difficult for them to metabolize Phenylalanine, these people are referred to as "Phenylketonurics". Thus the warning can be interpreted as such : "For those people who have the condition Phenylketonuria, be warned, this product contains Phenylalanine."

What happens if I can't metabolize Phenylalanine?

If the body can not metabolize and eliminate the Phenylalanine then a substance called phenylpyruvic acid builds up in the blood system. High levels of this acid can damage the brain and/or lead to other adverse conditions : mental retardation, the loss of pigmentation in the skin/hair/eyes (people with untreated PKU often have light skin, blond hair and blue eyes), a mousy odor, muscle aches and pains and in extreme cases, even seizures.

I do not have Phenylketonuria, should I be concerned about Phenylalanine?

This is debatable although most would say there is little risk to those who do not have the condition called Phenylketonuria.

If you want to see an opinion stating that Phenylalanine is dangerous to the entire population you can see one here : Sweet Poison