L-phenylalanine
L-phenylalanine is an essential aromatic amino acid. Commercial L-phenylalanine is made by bacterial fermentation of sugars, then purified by ion exchange and crystallized; much of world output goes into making the sweetener aspartame. Brands buy it as a white crystalline powder for capsules, tablets and amino acid blends, and some also buy DL-phenylalanine, the racemic mixture.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Standard fine crystalline powder for capsules, tablets and dry blends.
L-phenylalanine made by bacterial fermentation of corn, cassava or beet sugar; the source and any vegan statement appear on the supplier's spec.
L-phenylalanine tested to the USP monograph, used where a compendial grade is required for supplements.
A racemic mixture of D- and L-phenylalanine sold as a separate ingredient; it has its own identity tests and is not interchangeable with the L-form.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store L-phenylalanine in tightly closed, lined containers in a cool, dry place away from light and strong odors, and reseal opened packs promptly. Shelf life or retest date is set by the supplier's specification; assay, loss on drying and micro are the usual retest points for older stock.
Record assay, source and optical rotation for each lot, and keep L- and DL-phenylalanine clearly separated in inventory. Rotate stock FEFO.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 172.320 lists L-phenylalanine among the amino acids that may be safely used as nutrients added to foods.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Under 21 CFR 172.320, added plus naturally present L-phenylalanine may not exceed 5.8 percent by weight of the total protein of the finished food.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists L-phenylalanine with the technical effects flavor enhancer, flavoring agent or adjuvant, and nutrient supplement.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Workout Supplements monograph lists L-phenylalanine among its essential amino acids, with a dose range of 115.5 mg to 339 mg per day.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Raleigh, NC
North American subsidiary of the Ajinomoto Group. It supplies pharmaceutical- and food-grade amino acids made by fermentation, in pack sizes from R&D pails to bulk, plus custom amino acid blends.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include crystalline, fermented (plant-sugar) grade, uSP grade and dL-phenylalanine. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect identity, assay, related substances, loss on drying and residue on ignition and heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store L-phenylalanine in tightly closed, lined containers in a cool, dry place away from light and strong odors, and reseal opened packs promptly. Shelf life or retest date is set by the supplier's specification; assay, loss on drying and micro are the usual retest points for older stock.
21 CFR 172.320 lists L-phenylalanine among the amino acids that may be safely used as nutrients added to foods. Under 21 CFR 172.320, added plus naturally present L-phenylalanine may not exceed 5.8 percent by weight of the total protein of the finished food. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists L-phenylalanine with the technical effects flavor enhancer, flavoring agent or adjuvant, and nutrient supplement. Health Canada's Workout Supplements monograph lists L-phenylalanine among its essential amino acids, with a dose range of 115.5 mg to 339 mg per day.
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