Phenylalanine

[Lynnieshell]

I see Phenylalanine on many products and am not sure what it is or why it is specified on certain foods. Is it dangerous.

[darth vader]

It's a food dye or colouring. It's not dangerous (we are told!) but apparently has laxative effects!

[j2buttonsw]

It is an amino acid but people with phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid it.

[xyzzyplugh]

It's an amphetamine based appetite supressant; [feature of Diet Coke]. to name one. http://www.smart-publications.com/articles/020828p
henylalanine.html

[j2buttonsw]

xyzzyplugh, I am not one to argue but your answer is msleading. Phenylalanine is not amphetamine based, but it can be converted into an amphetamine-like compound phenylethylamine (if the article is to be believed). It is also a constituent of ASPARTAME which is the sweetener in Diet Coke etc So be told!

[darth vader]

Sorry i have to agree - i don't think they would have let me use it in BTEC Science if it was amphetamine based.