DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Essential amino acid that occurs in free form (approx. 10 mg/l plasma, 13 mg/24 h urine) and in proteins. Phenylalanine is degraded to oxaloacetic acid and acetyl-CoA (homogentisic acid as intermediate product). Elevated values are present in phenylketonuria. Humans need at least 1-2 g of the L-form daily; this can be replaced by tyrosine to approx. 75%.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer