By Fred Cheng (R.Ph) and Christine Cheng (R.Ph)
Many people know that AMINO ACIDS are the building blocks of protein. But did you know that DL-PHENYLALANINE (“DLPA”) is a special amino acid that not only helps alleviate PAIN, but may help battle fatigue, confusion, alertness and memory problems?
DL-Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that actually consists of two structurally-distinct forms of the amino acid, phenylalanine. L-PHENYLALANINE is important in mental and brain function because it is a building block of important proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, thyroid hormone. D-PHENYLALANINE, on the other hand, can play a role in pain-management because it interferes with the breakdown of ENDORPHINS; endorphins are the body’s natural pain-killers that are released when your body is under physical or mental, emotional stress. By inhibiting the breakdown of endorphins, D-Phenylalanine effectively prolongs the action of the natural pain-killers.
DLPA can take effect on the same day and its effects become more pronounced over time. It is great for those wanting to have improved management of chronic pain conditions (eg. fibromyalgia, arthritis, surgical pain, muscle pain), as well as those battling mild mental or emotional conditions (eg. depression, mood disorders, anxiety). It is never addictive. Athletes use it for training in order to train longer and harder. There are some reports of it curbing appetite as well.
DLPA is now available in Canada at PHARMASAVE STEVESTON VILLAGE and CLOVERDALE PHARMASAVE as a single-entity product called simply “DLPA: DL-PHENYLALANINE” by Life Choice, or in a product called “CURAMIN” by Terry Naturally, which has DLPA combined with boswelia, nattokinase and a special curcumin rhizome extract enhanced with turmeric essential oil (allowing high levels of absorption).
DLPA is generally safe to take, even alongside prescription medications such as anti-depressants, pain-killers, and natural products such as Vitamin B5 and B6, but is not recommended for some patients on Parkinson’s medications. Thus, always check with your own physician and pharmacist to verify before starting any natural supplement. Come talk to Christine and Fred’s Team at their PHARMASAVES in CLOVERDALE and STEVESTON VILLAGE to learn more about how this tiny little amino acid can give you much better quality of life.
[Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston Village, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use, as well as lifestyle modification, including Ideal Protein. They would love to hear from you! Check them out at www.iPharmasave.com. Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore.]
