phenylalanine
phenylalanine — noun
1. One of the building blocks of protein that the human body cannot produce on its
One of the building blocks of protein that the human body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from food. Found in meat, eggs, fish, dairy products, and some artificial sweeteners, it is converted by the liver into another amino acid called tyrosine, which the body uses to make important chemicals for the brain and nervous system.
Babies born with phenylketonuria cannot break down phenylalanine, so they must follow a strict low-protein diet from birth.
passive: cannot break down + low-protein diet for PKU patients
Ayesha checked the label carefully because her son needed to limit his phenylalanine intake.
collocation: phenylalanine intake
The lab technician measured Henrik's phenylalanine levels after the new medication to check his liver function.
Many diet sodas contain aspartame, which breaks down into phenylalanine inside the body.
Kian's doctor explained that a phenylalanine-restricted diet could prevent brain damage from PKU.
用法筆記
Primarily used in medical and biochemical contexts. Frequently appears alongside phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder in which the body cannot metabolise this amino acid.