Phenylethylamine, also known as PEA or phenethylamine , occurs naturally in foods such as bologna, blue-green algae, and cacao, a primary component of chocolate. Phenylethylamine is a natural chemical compound, an alkaloid, and a brain neuromodulator and neurotransmitter monoamine. Monoamines carry send and receive brain signals.
Food spoilage and breakdown, along with the fermentation process, produces phenylethylamine in nature. Phenylethylamine is a derivative of phenylalanine, an amino acid.
Phenylethylamine is quickly metabolized when people ingest it. For that reason, phenylethylamine isn’t a candidate for drug abuse, according to author Amitava Dasgupta in “A Health Educator’s Guide to Understanding Drugs of Abuse Testing.” For that reason, is has popularity as a nutritional supplement.
Certain gram-positive bacteria, such as alkalophilic bacillus, help to produce phenylethylamine.
Not all types of physical activity are suitable for everyone. Users take training advice at their own personal risk.
Phenylethylamine and Chocolate Phenylethylamine is best known for its role in producing “feel good” hormones. Promoted in 1983 by author Michael Liebowitz (“The Chemistry of Love”) as the ultimate “feel good” food, the association between love and chocolate remains strong--especially on V... more
Phenylethylamine is best known for its role in producing “feel good” hormones. Promoted in 1983 by author Michael Liebowitz (“The Chemistry of Love”) as the ultimate “feel good” food, the association between love and chocolate remains strong--especially on Valentine's Day.
Unfortunately, roasting of the beans tends to destroy phenylethylamine, according to author David Wolf in “Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future.” Cocoa and dark chocolate have confirmed antioxidant health benefits. Chocolate flavonoids may also inhibit chronic inflammation in the body.
People sometimes use phenylethylamine supplements to elevate mood and sex drive or to treat attention deficit disorder. Substitute phenylethylamine, a laboratory-created form of phenylethylamine, is used as an antidepressant. Use supplements of substitute phenylethylamine under a doctor’s care, when a confirmed deficiency of PEA exists. Don't self-treat with substitute phenylethylamine or other chemical derivatives of phenylethylamine.
Amphetamines, derived from phenylethylamine, and designer-drugs including 2 C-B (4-bromo-2, 5-dimethoxy-b-phenylethylamine), 2C-T-2 (2, 5-dimethyoxy-4 ethylthio-b-phenylethylamine), 2C-T-7 (2, 5-dimethoxy-4 propylthio-b-phenylethylamine) and 2C-I (2, 5-dimethyoxy-4-ido-phenylethylamine) act as 5-HT2 receptors. These drugs are metabolized by the liver.
They’re popular recreational drugs. They’re also toxic and potent drugs. The National Institute on Drug Abuse acknowledges the high addiction potential of these drugs.
Morphine and LSD also contain significant amounts of phenylethylamine.
Don’t take phenylethylamine or derivatives with MAO-inhibitors, ephedrines, tetrahydrocannabinol (in cannabis) or alcohol. These drugs increase the availability of phenylethylamine in the body. Combining phenylethylamine and other drugs and supplements can have serious consequences.
Because phenylethylamine is rapidly metabolized by the body before reaching the brain by enzymes MAO-A, MAO-B and dopamine betahydroxylase enzymes, consuming large amounts of cocoa or supplements probably won’t elevate your mood.
Substitute Phenylethylamine, or amphetamines derived from this compound, have been used as anorectic agents according to "The Handbook of Obesity, Volume 2" by authors George A. Bray and Claude Bouchard.
Weight trainers and exercise enthusiasts sometimes use phenylethylamine to increase awareness during a workout. Taking phenylalanine, the amino acid from which phenylethylamine derives, may not increase PEA in the body.
Authors Jack Challem and Mervyn R. Werbach recommend phenylethylamine supplementation, along with dopamine and norepinephrine, B-complex vitamins and SAMe, for anxiety and depression in “The Food-Mood Solution.” Always seek your doctor’s input before self-treating any deficiency.
Confirmed deficiencies, such as those occurring in Parkinson’s disease, may improve with supplementation under a doctor’s care. According to “Parkinson’s disease: The Treatment Options,” studies show promising results for those suffering with the disease.
Doctors treating depressed and schizophrenic patients may use of phenylethylamine derivatives. The known potential for addiction causes most doctors to use the drugs in short courses.
Some resources recommending the use of this supplement for specific symptoms include:
According to researchers at the National Institutes of Health, phenylethylamine may work in concert with tyramine and tryptamine—other arylalkylamines—to protect the retina.
After doctor-ordered tests confirming a PEA deficiency, your doctor prescribes supplements based on your weight and other factors. Your doctor also determines the best form of phenylethylamine supplements for you.
A 250-pound man with a confirmed deficiency takes about 1.5 g per day on an empty stomach before a workout session, according to “The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions” published by Three Rivers Press. Use the free supplement finder now!
| Drug Interactions |
| phenethylamine |
| ADD/ADHD |
| Addiction |
| Anxiety |
| Brain Neuromodulator |
| Depression |
| Increases Awareness During Workouts |
| Migraine Headaches |
| Mood Enhancer |
| Parkinson's Disease |
| Produces “Feel Good” Hormones |
| Protects The Retina |
| Schizophrenia |