Phenylalanine (PHE or F) is one of twenty common amino acids. It is a powder solid at room temperature. Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid. Because the benzene ring at one end of the molecule is hydrophobic, phenylalanine is classified as a nonpolar molecule. L-phenylalanine (LPA) is an electrically neutral amino acid, "uuu" and "UUC" are its codons. Phenylalanine is a precursor of tyrosine, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, monoamine signaling molecules, and melanin of skin pigment. Phenylalanine is found naturally in mammalian milk. It is used in the manufacture of food and beverage products and is sold as a nutritional supplement with its famous analgesic and antidepressant effects. It is a direct precursor of phenylethylamine, a neuromodulator, and a common dietary supplement. The human body cannot synthesize phenylalanine by itself, so it must be taken from the diet. Generally, phenylalanine is produced by plants.
Manufacturing
