L-phenylalanine

L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) is an essential amino acid investigated as a research compound by Christine Feinle-Bisset and colleagues at the University of Adelaide. It acts primarily as an agonist of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in the gastrointestinal tract. Activation of CaSR by L-phenylalanine triggers the release of gut hormones, including cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and peptide YY (PYY), and increases pyloric pressure, which slows gastric emptying. These physiological effects are being studied for their potential to reduce appetite and energy intake and improve blood glucose regulation in the context of obesity and type 2 diabetes. It is currently an investigational nutritional compound and not an approved pharmaceutical drug.

Other names

phenylalanine(S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid