DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine) Review – Is it Effective?

DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine) is a supplement with two versions of phenylalanine, an amino acid that’s important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. DLPA promises to help with your nervous system, mood, endocrine system, and more. It’s put together by Carlson Laboratories, which was created more than fifty years ago in Chicago. Sometime after 1965 they expanded into the city suburbs, and have been there ever since. They offer more than 250 supplements for a variety of dietary needs, including vitamins and fish oils. Their entire process is transparent and well-documented.

1) What is DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine)?

Each capsule contains 500 mg of DL-phenylalanine, a combination of L-phenylalanine and D-phenylalanine. L-phenylalanine is an essential amino acid and generally considered the better half of this formula. It’s involved with norepinephrine, dopamine, and L-tyrosine, all the while easily penetrating the blood brain barrier. D-phenylalanine isn’t an essential amino acid and can help with alcohol withdrawal, arthritis, and Parkinson’s disease.

You can also find L-Dopa in nootropic complexes like Solaray Sharp Mind.

2) DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine) Ingredients

DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine) contains the following ingredients: DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine), Magnesium Stearate, Beef Gelatin Capsule

3) Does DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine) Work?

Each capsule contains 500 mg of DLPA inside of a gelatin capsule. There are no fillers or additives, just what’s supposed to be there. DLPA stands for DL-Phenylalanine, which is a mixture of D-phenylalanine and L-phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is found naturally in breast milk and in a variety of products, including supplements. It’s thought to have analgesic effects (pain relief) and antidepressant properties. You can also find it in foods like eggs, chicken, beef, spinach, and tofu.

L-phenylalanine is involved with the synthesis of norepinephrine and dopamine, can be converted into L-tyrosine, and passes the blood brain barrier more easily than D-phenylalanine. For skin diseases such as vitiligo, 50 to 100 mg of L-phenylalanine is used daily. It’s considered an essential amino acid.

Some research says that D-phenylalanine can help people cope with alcohol withdrawal, arthritis, and Parkinson’s disease. In some cases it’s better to take D-phenylalanine than DL-phenylalanine. And unlike L-phenylalanine, D-phenylalanine is not an essential amino acid.

In general, phenylalanine is not well studied. Doses and side effects vary between products, and can have dangerous interactions with some medications and conditions. Consult your doctor before buying DLPA, even though side effects almost never appear. Some people believe DL-phenylalanine is effective in treating pain, but there aren’t many studies which support this idea. Still, it can function as a placebo analgesic, while delivering other benefits to your brain.

4) DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine) Claims

• Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that the human can’t effectively produce on its own, so a supplement may be helpful for some people. It’s found in a lot of foods but vegans don’t eat most of them.
• May improve your mood and cognitive function, and 500 mg is likely a good dose for this, as it’s well inside the safe zone. The most common serving size is between 100 and 500 mg daily, depending your needs.

5) DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine) Warnings and Precautions

• L-phenylalanine is found in commonly eaten foods so it’s unlikely people will need a supplement for it, a similar situation to Omega-6s. D-phenylalanine is made in laboratories and can have benefits, but it’s not usually considered as important as L-phenylalanine. In some studies, DL-phenylalanine was less effective than just L-phenylalanine or just D-phenylalanine.
• Some people want to use DLPA for treating pain, but there isn’t any good research to support the idea that DL-phenylalanine is effective in treating pain. It’s often considered no better than a placebo, which explains why some people think DLPA works for them.

6) How Much Does DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine) Cost?

Since each bottle contains 60 capsules and you’re supposed to take 1 every day, this is very inexpensive. It’s one of the cheapest supplements on the market and is easy to purchase. You can find Carlson products online and in local stores, so you have good chances at getting free shipping on your supplements.

7) DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine) Directions

One source noted that with amino acid supplements, it’s best to take them on an empty stomach with water or juice, an hour before your next meal. Certain high protein foods may interfere with the absorption of DL-phenylalanine, mostly because L-phenylalanine is found is many high protein foods. It’s in milk, eggs, chicken, beef, spinach, tofu, and more.

8) Our Verdict on DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine)

DLPA promises a lot but the effects aren’t too clear. There isn’t much research on the benefits and potential side effects of DL-Phenylalanine supplements. Some people might find this product useful, while others won’t see any upsides. It’s best to ask your doctor about DLPA before deciding to purchase it. If you do go ahead with DLPA, it’s very inexpensive and from a reputable company, so it’s likely that you’ll enjoy what DLPA has to offer. Some companies use DL-phenylalanine as part of an effective nootropic stack, although on its own your results may vary. Your mood may improve, but DL-phenylalanine might be most effective with other ingredients too.