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Phenylalanine: Benefits and Foods High in Phenylalanine

Discover Phenylalanine benefits, top sources for vegans and carnivores and their Phenylalanine content per 100g.

Luke Gartland avatar
Written by Luke Gartland
Updated over 10 months ago

What is Phenylalanine?

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that the body cannot produce, so it must be obtained through the diet. It is a precursor to tyrosine, another amino acid that is used to produce neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Phenylalanine is crucial for various bodily functions, including cognitive and emotional health.

Benefits of Phenylalanine

  • Neurotransmitter Production: Essential for the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood and cognitive functions.

  • Cognitive Health: Supports mental alertness and memory.

  • Mood Regulation: Helps in the synthesis of neurotransmitters that influence mood and stress responses.

  • Protein Synthesis: Plays a critical role in the production and maintenance of proteins in the body.

Daily Recommended Value (DRV) for Phenylalanine

The DRV for Phenylalanine is approximately 33 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. For an average adult weighing 70 kg, the daily requirement would be:

  • 33 mg x 70 kg = 2,310 mg per day

Foods High in Phenylalanine

Here are some foods rich in Phenylalanine along with their approximate Phenylalanine content per 100 grams and the percentage of the daily recommended value (DRV) for a 70 kg individual (2,310 mg per day).

Top Sources of Phenylalanine for Carnivores

  1. Parmesan Cheese

    • Phenylalanine content: 1,950 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 84%

  2. Lean Beef

    • Phenylalanine content: 1,820 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 79%

  3. Chicken Breast

    • Phenylalanine content: 1,770 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 77%

  4. Pork

    • Phenylalanine content: 1,300 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 56%

  5. Tuna

    • Phenylalanine content: 1,290 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 56%

Top Sources of Phenylalanine for Vegans

  1. Soybeans

    • Phenylalanine content: 1,990 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 86%

  2. Lentils

    • Phenylalanine content: 1,380 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 60%

  3. Pumpkin Seeds

    • Phenylalanine content: 1,380 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 60%

  4. Quinoa

    • Phenylalanine content: 1,210 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 52%

  5. Chickpeas

    • Phenylalanine content: 1,170 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 51%

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