Phenylalanine; Most Commonly Used For the Treatment of Vitiligo (A Skin Disorder)

Phenylalanine is an amino acid found in many foods and used by the body to produce proteins and other important molecules. Its effects on pain, depression, and skin disorders have been studied. Phenylalanine helps maintain adequate levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain, thereby maintaining a balanced mood. Phenylalanine deficiency may cause depression, loss of appetite, memory impairment, reduced alertness, and mental confusion. It is present in three forms, such as D-Phenylalanine, L-Phenylalanine, and DL-Phenylalanine.

Phenylalanine naturally occurs in many protein-rich foods, such as eggs, milk, and meat. It is also sold as a dietary supplement. It is widely used for rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, Parkinson's disease, osteoarthritis, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, depression, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and vitiligo (a skin disease). Some people apply it directly to the skin for vitiligo. However, phenylalanine may cause seizures, brain damage, intellectual disabilities, and other problems in people with phenylketonuria.

Phenylalanine is closely related to tyrosine, epinephrine, and dopamine. Thus, supplementation with phenylalanine has been presumed to have antidepressant effects. D-phenylalanine can be used to treat chronic pain, including pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. DL-phenylalanine often appears to potentiate pain relief and also ease depression in patients receiving opiates for chronic non-malignant pain. Major dietary sources of L-phenylalanine include meat, fish, eggs, cheese, and milk. Phenylalanine is most commonly used for a skin disorder, called vitiligo.

Phenylalanine is also used for aging skin, pain, obesity, and many other conditions. According to the omicsonline.org, in the Mexico, about 1 in 100 people develop vitiligo. In around half of people affected it starts before the age of 20, although it can occur at any age. Vitiligo is a multifactorial disease characterized by the loss of skin pigment, results in achromic macules and patches. Thus, with the increasing prevalence of vitiligo, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain diseases worldwide, the demand for phenylalanine is also increasing rapidly.