How much phenylalanine is in a can of Diet Coke?
Six normal subjects each ingested a single 12-oz can of a diet cola (Diet Coke) providing 184 mg aspartame (APM), of which 104 mg is phenylalanine (Phe), and, on another occasion, a single 12-oz can of regular cola (Coke Classic).
Is phenylalanine safe to eat?
Phenylalanine is considered safe in the quantities found in normal foods. However, individuals with the disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) cannot metabolize this amino acid and must minimize consumption due to serious health consequences.
Why do they put phenylalanine in soda?
Phenylalanine does effect the brain, and could be used as natural antidepressant (look up L phenylalanine antidepressant). The small amount in soft drinks though has only a very mild antidepressant effect.
Why is there a warning for phenylalanine?
Phenylalanine can cause intellectual disabilities, brain damage, seizures and other problems in people with PKU . Phenylalanine occurs naturally in many protein-rich foods, such as milk, eggs and meat. Phenylalanine is also sold as a dietary supplement.
Is phenylalanine bad for your kidneys?
Aspartame never reaches the kidneys or other body organ. It is made up of two amino acids (the building blocks of protein), phenylalanine and aspartic acid, and a small amount of methanol.
Why is phenylalanine toxic to the brain?
The high plasma phenylalanine concentrations increase phenylalanine entry into brain and restrict the entry of other large neutral amino acids. In the literature, emphasis has been on high brain phenylalanine as the pathological substrate that causes mental retardation.
What happens when phenylalanine accumulates in the body?
Phenylalanine is an essential nutrient, but some individuals are born with a genetic disorder, phenylketonuria (PKU), that prevents them from metabolizing phenylalanine, and, if untreated, phenylalanine accumulates in the body, becomes converted into phenylpyruvate, and the individual usually develops seizures, brain …
Does coffee count as water?
Juices and sports drinks are also hydrating — you can lower the sugar content by diluting them with water. Coffee and tea also count in your tally. Many used to believe that they were dehydrating, but that myth has been debunked. The diuretic effect does not offset hydration.