Phenylalanine is in some foods and almost all sodas.I read on some websites that it DOES cause high blood pressure.I haven't found information on phenylalanine so anything you might know about it causing high blood pressure please tell me.Any websites that say anything would help too.Thanks!!!p.s. I know there is a presciption drug called phenylalanine and that is not what I want information on.
Phenylalanine is an aminoacid which is normally converted into the aminoacid tyrosine.
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency in the enzyme hepatic phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). This enzyme is necessary to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine to the amino acid tyrosine. When PAH is deficient, phenylalanine accumulates and is converted into phenylpyruvate (also known as phenylketone), which is detected in the urine.
Left untreated, this condition can cause problems with brain development, leading to progressive mental retardation and seizures. However, PKU is one of the few genetic diseases that can be controlled by diet. A diet low in phenylalanine and high in tyrosine can be a very effective treatment. There is no cure. Damage done is irreversible so early detection is crucial.
With regards to an increase in blood pressure. All that I have found are anecdotal reports of large (no dosages given) doses of phenylalanine 'can cause elevated blood pressure'.
1 comment so far ↓
Phenylalanine is an aminoacid which is normally converted into the aminoacid tyrosine.
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency in the enzyme hepatic phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). This enzyme is necessary to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine to the amino acid tyrosine. When PAH is deficient, phenylalanine accumulates and is converted into phenylpyruvate (also known as phenylketone), which is detected in the urine.
Left untreated, this condition can cause problems with brain development, leading to progressive mental retardation and seizures. However, PKU is one of the few genetic diseases that can be controlled by diet. A diet low in phenylalanine and high in tyrosine can be a very effective treatment. There is no cure. Damage done is irreversible so early detection is crucial.
With regards to an increase in blood pressure. All that I have found are anecdotal reports of large (no dosages given) doses of phenylalanine 'can cause elevated blood pressure'.
References :
Pharmacist
The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Goodman & Gilman