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Phenylalanine is one of the amino acids, which are the units that link together to form protein. Phenelalanine is also used to produce a number of neurotransmitters in your body. Neurotransmitters are chemicals your brain and nerves use to communicate. Tachycardia is a medical term that refers to a rapid heart rate. Taking excessive phenylalanine in supplement form may cause tachycardia. If you have an elevated heart rate or any medical trouble, seek medical aid at once.
Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is a essential amino acid that you need to get from your diet. The nonessential amino acid tyrosine is produced from phenylalanine. Both phenyl alanine and tyrosine are used to produce the catecholamine neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine/adrenaline and norepinephrine/noradrenaline. Amino acids can exist in two forms: D or L. Only L-form amino acids are used to synthesize proteins. D-phenylalanine, however, can be used only to synthesize neurotransmitters and other biochemicals in your body. Phenylalanine and tyrosine supplements are available in L-form, D-form or DL-form, a mixture of the two.
Tachycardia
According to MayoClinic.com, tachycardia is a heart rate that is faster than normal. A typical heart rate ranges between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Your heart rate is controlled via electrical signals from your nervous system that are modulated by neurotransmitters and hormones. In particular, the neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephine can elevate heart rate and blood pressure. Consuming high levels of phenylalanine or tyrosine supplements can elevate the levels of these neurotransmitters, leading to tachycardia. If you are experiencing a higher than normal heart rate, seek medical attention.
Phenylketonuria
Phenylketonuria is a genetic disorder in which your body is unable to properly process phenylalanine, leading to a buildup of potentially toxic metabolites, or byproducts. If you suffer from phenylketonuria, you will need to adjust your diet to avoid high doses of phenylalanine, particularly as it is used as a artificial sweetener. In order to ensure proper levels of neurotransmitters, your doctor may instruct you to take supplements of the amino acid tyrosine. An unrestricted diet containing high levels of tyrosine in phenylketonurics can lead to a significant elevation in neurotransmitter levels, according to a study published in the "European Journal of Pediatrics."
Recommendation
If you are healthy, follow the dosing recommendations on phenylalanine or tyrosine supplements closely. If you have phenylketonuria, consult with your physician before taking tyrosine supplements, and advise her if you experience any side effects, including, but not limited to, tachycardia. If you are currently under a doctor's care, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that you only take phenylalanine, tyrosine or other dietary supplements under guidance.
Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is a essential amino acid that you need to get from your diet. The nonessential amino acid tyrosine is produced from phenylalanine. Both phenyl alanine and tyrosine are used to produce the catecholamine neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine/adrenaline and norepinephrine/noradrenaline. Amino acids can exist in two forms: D or L. Only L-form amino acids are used to synthesize proteins. D-phenylalanine, however, can be used only to synthesize neurotransmitters and other biochemicals in your body. Phenylalanine and tyrosine supplements are available in L-form, D-form or DL-form, a mixture of the two.
Tachycardia
According to MayoClinic.com, tachycardia is a heart rate that is faster than normal. A typical heart rate ranges between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Your heart rate is controlled via electrical signals from your nervous system that are modulated by neurotransmitters and hormones. In particular, the neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephine can elevate heart rate and blood pressure. Consuming high levels of phenylalanine or tyrosine supplements can elevate the levels of these neurotransmitters, leading to tachycardia. If you are experiencing a higher than normal heart rate, seek medical attention.
Phenylketonuria
Phenylketonuria is a genetic disorder in which your body is unable to properly process phenylalanine, leading to a buildup of potentially toxic metabolites, or byproducts. If you suffer from phenylketonuria, you will need to adjust your diet to avoid high doses of phenylalanine, particularly as it is used as a artificial sweetener. In order to ensure proper levels of neurotransmitters, your doctor may instruct you to take supplements of the amino acid tyrosine. An unrestricted diet containing high levels of tyrosine in phenylketonurics can lead to a significant elevation in neurotransmitter levels, according to a study published in the "European Journal of Pediatrics."
Recommendation
If you are healthy, follow the dosing recommendations on phenylalanine or tyrosine supplements closely. If you have phenylketonuria, consult with your physician before taking tyrosine supplements, and advise her if you experience any side effects, including, but not limited to, tachycardia. If you are currently under a doctor's care, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that you only take phenylalanine, tyrosine or other dietary supplements under guidance.