Phenylalanine
Level 3 — ContestedIn Winter's Dictionary
Phenylalanine is a amino acid — Essential amino acid not synthesized by the body; required for growth
What it does
Essential amino acid not synthesized by the body; required for growth
Where you'll see it
whole egg (5.4%), skim milk (5.1%), aspartame-containing foods
What the research says
Associated with phenylketonuria (PKU) — if not detected soon after birth leads to mental deterioration in children. Aspartame label warning required for PKU.
Benefits
Essential amino acid required for normal growth
Regulatory status
- Notes: FDA asked for further study as food additive in 1980; PKU sufferers must restrict
Sources
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): An essential amino acid considered essential for growth in normal human beings and not synthesized by the body