noun
- an essential amino acid found in proteins that the body cannot synthesize and must obtain from food sources
Usage: biochemistry; nutrition
Examples
- Phenylalanine is one of the nine essential amino acids required for human health.
- Foods rich in phenylalanine include meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
- People with phenylketonuria must avoid phenylalanine in their diet.
- The body converts phenylalanine into tyrosine, another important amino acid.
- Phenylalanine is a precursor for neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.