Phenethylamine abbreviated as PEA, is a small amino group that has a neurotransmitter role in the human body. The chemical structure of PEA comprises a benzene ring that is bonded to a lone nitrogen via a two-carbon chain. The compound occurs naturally in various algae and bacteria. It can also be detected in foods such as chocolate and eggs. It is produced from thermal decomposition of L-phenylalanine, which is its parent amino acid. PEA can also be sourced from dietary L-phenylalanine.
What Is Phenethylamine?
Phenethylamine can be formulated as a supplement that can be used for different reasons. The product can be used for cognitive enhancement, improvement of mood swings, and in weight loss. The compound can be found endogenously in the central nervous system of humans and other mammals. The mode of action of phenethylamine involves the stimulation of the release of norepinephrine and dopamine. The two neurotransmitters released are involved in attention and alertness. PEA is formulated as Phenethylamine HCL in the supplements available.
Phenethylamine Uses
The health benefits of phenethylamine are based on its ability to trigger the release of neurotransmitters in the body. Consumption of a diet rich in PEA or PEA supplements has been shown to improve the psychological health of an individual. The result is an improvement in mood and well-being.
PEA supplements are commonly used in the management of emotional and psychological disorders. Disorders such as anxiety and stress can be treated by administering PEA supplements to the patient.
Phenethylamines can also lead to an improvement of learning capability and memory. Patients put on PEA have had increased an attention span as well as improved mood. The primary effectors of PEA activities are dopamine and norepinephrine. The dopaminergic activity of PEA can be used to treat individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
PEA can also be used in the management of certain heart diseases. The neurotransmitters released in the body can cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow. Other uses of PEA include the management of diseases such as attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, depression, and Parkinson’s. Supplements of phenethylamine can also be employed in the management of musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Phenethylamine has benefits in weight loss. Through its stimulation of catecholamine release, PEA can enhance the process of lipolysis. As a result, the excess fats in the body are broken down, leading to weight reduction. Phenethylamine also can suppress the appetite. PEA is medically used as an appetite suppressant, and it is included in many weight loss supplements.
Other PEA supplements have been shown to be useful in the management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and vitiligo. The compound can be found in foods such as fish, eggs, milk, and meat. Phenethylamine is an essential amino acid that has been shown to have various health benefits.
Dosage
The recommended dosage ranges between 200mg and 300mg depending on the condition being treated and the patient's condition. Some of the supplement's effects will be observed after a complete pharmacokinetic cycle of the drug. However, other effects such as the nootropic effects will be seen after several days of the supplement's use.
The patient should be careful not to surpass the upper limit of the drug’s dosage. Some patients may be tempted to exceed the maximum dosage in pursuit of high psychological effects. The medication should be taken on a daily basis to get the best results of the supplement.
Side Effects Of Phenethylamine
Patients commonly report mild side effects from phenethylamine supplements. The most prominent adverse effects include a tension headache and dizziness. Patients may also present with insomnia, although it is a rare side effect. Side effects arising in the gastrointestinal tract include constipation, nausea, and heartburn. Patients may also experience a mild euphoria. However, the overall benefits of the supplement outweigh its side effects.
Surpassing the maximum dose by an extreme percentage may lead to psychosis that may present with hallucinations. In such cases, a physician should be contacted immediately. However, the PEA supplements are considered safe when they are used within the recommended dose.
Best Supplements That Contain Phenethylamine
1. Nutricost L-Phenylalanine
The Nutricost Company manufactures this supplement. The active ingredient in the supplement is phenethylamine. It is known to induce various activities in the body, including appetite suppression, elevated mood, and increased attention and alertness. The supplement is formulated as capsules and each capsule has 500 milligrams of the active ingredient. They are packaged in a bottle, and each bottle contains 180 capsules. The product has a total score of five out of five stars on Amazon. The selling price on Amazon is $12.95.
2. NOW Foods L-Phenylalanine
NOW Foods manufactures their own version of the PEA supplement. It is available in a pack of 120 capsules. The product has a total score on Amazon of 3.9 out of a possible five stars. Most customers are happy with the effectiveness of the supplement. It is sold for $14.96 on Amazon.
3. Phen-ES Diet Pills
Kreative Compounds manufactures this PEA supplements. The product is formulated for appetite suppression and weight loss. It is also formulated with compounds that are responsible for the breakdown of excess fats in the body. These diet pills carry a total score of 3.6 out of a possible five stars. The majority of the reviews about the supplement are positive. This product sells at $44.99 on Amazon.
4. PhentRx PhenRED®
PhentRx PhenRED® is a product of the PhenRed Company. The supplement claims to cut body weight by increasing the rate of fat breakdown in the body. The active ingredient of the supplement is thermogenic. As a result, it forces the body to utilize fats as the primary source of energy. The product has a total score of 3.7 out of five stars. PhentRx PhenRED® sells at $39.95 on Amazon.
Phenethylamine Conclusion
The FDA does not disapprove the manufacturing and selling of phenethylamine. However, the health organization requires proper marketing of the drug's supplements. Anybody is allowed to order, purchase, and possess the product's supplement for health benefits. However, it is important to check with the laws and regulations of other countries before one orders phenethylamine from abroad.
