DLPA

DLPA, a short term for D, L-phenylalanine, actually contains two types of amino acid phenylalanine and it is used as pain reliever.  Essentially, the “L” form of DLPA is a natural substance that is commonly found in foods that are rich in protein.  This form is thought to boost mood-elevating chemicals in the brain like the dopamine and the norepinephrine.  On the other hand, the “D” form of DLPA is made unnaturally in a laboratory and it is believed to hinder a nervous system enzyme that intensifies the pain signals.  Therefore, DLPA is developed in order to prevent the breakdown of the natural narcotics in the brain.

Numerous studies have been conducted and found out that the DLPA supplements, with the combination of the “L” and “D” forms of phenylalanine, are packed and sold for the purpose of providing relief to minor depression and physical discomforts.  Aside from that, DLPA has the power to battle against chronic pain and fight the blues, thus it is highly considered as an effective part of an overall program.  DLPA also has the power to beat the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or PMS like mood swings. 

The wonder of DLPA does not just end there for there are some notions that DLPA can enhance the level of energy as well as mental alertness.  It can also elevate the ability to focus in people who are affected with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or known as ADHD.

As the “L” and “D” forms of DLPA are mixed with ultraviolet light therapy, the DLPA can be applied as a major treatment for vitiligo, which is a somewhat unusual dermatologic condition that is largely characterized by the enhancement of white and pigment-free patches of the skin.   Aside from that, there are also some studies which demonstrate that DLPA is also applicable for those who have Parkinson’s disease.  It is supported by the study that Parkinson’s disease patients felt some relief from its symptoms after taking DLPA and doing a pain relief therapy known as TENS or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.  Nevertheless, some direct and exact evidences for this claim are still needed.

Given such information, it is interesting to know that there are only two major proven uses and purposes of prescribing DLPA.  The supplement is used basically to ease depression, and to allay chronic pain.  But along with that, still some evidences are needed to better support the claims that DLPA can treat muscle aches and persistent arthritis-related pain.

Some of the proponents of this pain reliever also believed that DLPA can be a more effective pain reliever when it is mixed with gamma aminobutyric acid or GABA, which is a numbing amino acid that has the power to hinder the pain signals in the brain.
As DLPA supplements are being sold in the market and being prescribed by some experts, it is just necessary to know that when purchasing the product, the presence of the “L” and “D” forms of phenylalanine on the product must be given attention.  It is mainly for the reason that the combination of these forms is less likely to result high blood pressure then using the “L” form alone.  And in the case of pregnant or nursing mothers, children, and even those with kidney disease, the effects of the DLPA supplement has not yet been studied, thus there is still no established proper dose in these groups.