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Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, meaning the human body cannot synthesize it and must obtain it through diet. It is one of the twenty standard amino acids that serve as building blocks for proteins. Phenylalanine has the chemical formula C9H11NO2. Its side chain consists of a benzyl group, a phenyl ring attached to a methylene group.

Phenylalanine plays a crucial role in various biological processes. It is a precursor to other amino acids, notably tyrosine, which is then used to synthesize neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, as well as thyroid hormones and melanin. Phenylalanine itself can also act as a neurotransmitter.

Dietary sources of phenylalanine include protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, and seeds. Individuals with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) have a deficiency in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, which is responsible for converting phenylalanine to tyrosine. Without proper management, phenylalanine can accumulate to toxic levels in the body, leading to severe intellectual disability and other health problems. Therefore, individuals with PKU must follow a strict low-phenylalanine diet. Aspartame, an artificial sweetener, is also a source of phenylalanine, and products containing it are labeled with a warning for individuals with PKU.