Where Phe lurks

You remember from biology class that proteins are made up of amino acids. Phe, or phenylalanine, is an amino acid.1

Phe is found in many foods. As you would expect, animal proteins like beef, chicken, pork, fish, milk, eggs, and cheese have a lot of Phe. So do soy products like tofu and soy flour. Nuts and seeds are also packed with Phe.15

Phe lurks in high protein foods

Sneaky Phe

Phe also hides in places you might not expect. Breads and cereals can also have a lot of Phe. Some fruits and vegetables are higher in Phe than others. A banana has 6 times the Phe of an apple, for instance. Chocolate is also surprisingly high in Phe.15

Phe is also in the sweetener aspartame. Aspartame is the main ingredient in Equal®, NutraSweet® and Caderel®. It is used in many diet foods and drinks, and even in common medications and vitamins. So be sure to read the label of these foods.2

Some supplements for depression, arthritis, pain, and other conditions are based on Phe or molecules very similar to Phe. Always ask the doctor or pharmacist about the Phe content of drugs before you take them. You need to always be alert to protect your brain from too much Phe.

Your dietitian is a great resource for any questions you have about Phe.

A typical low Phe diet

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