The amino acid d-phenylalanine (DPA) is used to boost endorphins in order to improve mood and reduce cravings. Lidtke Endorphigen has long been a favorite recommendation of mine for this purpose. Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine is an equally effective and quality product, and both are ideally used opened onto the tongue. When DPA is used this way you get quick results. Many of my clients (and myself included) describe the opened DPA as a dark-chocolate bitter like taste that is not unpleasant. However, about half my clients don’t particularly like the taste of DPA and one woman in my community, Ali, was ready to give up on the Lidtke Endorphigen product because of the taste.
In today’s blog you can read her feedback comparing both products and what worked for her, feedback from a few other women about both products and my personal feedback – with all of us sharing results and taste. And I share some takeaway lessons from these DPA experiences.
She shared this about her strong aversion to the Endorphigen:
Oh goodness. If I open the Endorphigen on my tongue, it’s just awful. I might be able to get 1/4 of it but that’s it. And the taste stays there for at least an hour. No sense of chocolate in there for me. Isn’t that interesting that you and others like the taste. I consider myself pretty open to whatever needs to be done but wow, this is almost no way.
I shared how I love the taste of DPA and that it’s 50:50 in terms of loving it (chocolate-like taste) vs not loving it but also that using the amino acids opened is more effective for many folks. But it’s no good if it tastes bad. I also shared that Lidtke Endorphigen contains a small amount of vitamin B2 and vitamin B6 and maybe that was making it intolerable for her.
Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine contains DPA only and when I let her know all this, Ali decided to give it a try. This is her feedback on the day she got it:
I received my Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine and put it on my tongue. It’s 10 bazillion times better than the Endorphigen which was so bad for me that I couldn’t get past it. And I think I can get past a lot. I’m grateful. So now I have to see how it works for me.
Ali’s dark clouds have lifted and her sweet tooth has disappeared
The next day Ali posted this, amazed this product made such a difference in just one day:
I used the Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine only once and that was today at about 8 am. I felt just generally better, no dark clouds. But also, it’s now 6:30pm when I get my sweet tooth. Nothing. Nothing at all. So no sweet tooth and an improved general feeling. I realize it’s only one day but I feel like it’s made a difference.
And a week later she posted this, confirming that Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine “is a game changer”:
So much different from Endorphigen. I find I need only 1/2 capsule on my tongue. There’s not much of a taste to me. I then don’t want sweets like I have been wanting in the morning and evening. But I also have a better general feeling. Hard to describe but I just feel more grounded. I can’t tell if it physically reduces the sweet craving or if it’s a mental change. Or both. In any case, nice solid change. Thank you for being there.
Alicia also likes Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine opened on to her tongue
She shared this about how this DPA product makes her feel:
It gives me a great feeling. Just getting me through some stressful moments. I recommend it! Opening onto the tongue is more effective than swallowing but swallowing adds a bit of relaxation too.
I don’t mind the taste at all – it reminds me of sugar or cocoa powder (my husband was less keen when I got him to try). And it works quickly, yes – I think within 10 minutes but probably less. And I feel more perky for hours. I think I feel more alert but calm emotionally.
I always have a bottle of DPA on hand and I shared my success with Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine for a recent tooth issue/pain and emotional pain over the holidays on this blog post.
And yet many folks do well with Lidtke Endorphigen and like the taste
I’d like to be clear that this is not intended to be a negative post about Lidtke Endorphigen at all. I still recommend both products and I’ve personally used and like the taste of both. The purpose is to illustrate that we need to find what works for our unique needs and tastes.
As you can see, many folks do really well with the Lidtke product.
Lynn shared this: “I love using the DPA! I use the Lidke brand. Very helpful in improving mood and anxiety. Open on my tongue. I like the taste!”
Joan shared this: “It’s interesting to read your recommendation to open the capsule … I had just started doing that! (Already using powdered forms of other aminos) Anyone looking thru my trash might wonder what I’m up to. This method really works for me.” (she’s using the Lidtke brand).
The addition of vitamin B2 and vitamin B6 to the Lidtke DPA clearly makes no difference in these instances.
The takeaways from this post
- DPA is effective for boosting mood and reducing cravings
- DPA works more effectively when opened on to the tongue and you’ll see results more quickly
- Don’t push through if a product tastes unpleasant
- Don’t give up if one brand doesn’t work for you
- What works for you may not work for someone else
- We all have different taste perceptions – find what works for your unique needs and tastes
- Product formulations change so keep track of exact ingredients on your log and check ingredients when you re-purchase a product
Both DPA products and where to find them
Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine is available via iherb (use this link to save 5%). Lidtke Endorphigen is available from the company site and from my online store (Fullscript – only available to US customers – use this link to set up an account).
Update September 27, 2024
It appears there are issues with the supply of Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine. As of now it’s no longer available on their website and nor is it available via iherb.
I emailed Doctor’s Best and received a very generic response and emailed again to try and find out if it’s a shortage or has been discontinued.
They replied to my 2nd email with this:
We appreciate your interest in the products that we offer. Unfortunately, our D-phenylalanine is temporarily out of stock and at this time, we do not have a specific restock date available. We apologize for the inconvenience.
We recommend checking back on our website periodically for updates on product availability. As soon as it is restocked, it will be listed on our website, and you’ll be able to place an order.
The problem is far from clear. Someone in the community reached out and shared this: “When I spoke to a DB representative on the phone, they told me the product was discontinued due to ‘supply chain issues,’ that they had not been producing it for some time, and that Lidtke was the only place they could redirect me. Sounds like they don’t even know in-house what the true status is.”
Let’s hope this is just a shortage. But either way, right now Lidtke Endorphigen is the only other company I know that offers DPA and because of the taste issue some individuals have with the Lidtke product, swallowing a capsule is going to be the best option. I have also reached out to Lidtke sharing the taste issue and this blog post, and asked if they would be willing to offer a DPA only product. I’ll keep you posted on the outcome (and thanks if you reached out to let me know your findings).
Update May 30, 2025
Unfortunately, Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine has been discontinued. The good news is that Lidtke appreciated the fact that I shared your taste issues and feedback, and my request for a powder-only product of d-phenyalanine/DPA has come to fruition.
You can read more about this new DPA product on this blog post.
Additional resources when you are new to using DPA and other amino acids as supplements
As a reminder, low endorphins can cause low mood, weepiness, emotional pain, physical pain and emotional eating or cravings. As always, I use the symptoms questionnaire to figure out if low endorphins or other neurotransmitter imbalances may be an issue.
If you suspect low levels of any of the neurotransmitters and do not yet have my book, The Antianxiety Food Solution – How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood, and End Cravings, I highly recommend getting it and reading it before jumping in and using amino acids on your own so you are knowledgeable. And be sure to share it with the practitioner/health team you or your loved one is working with.
There is an entire chapter on the amino acids and they are discussed throughout the book in the sections on gut health, gluten, blood sugar control (this is covered in an entire chapter too), sugar cravings, anxiety and mood issues.
The book doesn’t include product names (per the publisher’s request) so this blog, The Antianxiety Food Solution Amino Acid and Pyroluria Supplements, lists the amino acids that I use with my individual clients and those in my group programs (over and above the DPA products I mentioned above).
If, after reading this blog and my book, you don’t feel comfortable figuring things out on your own (i.e. doing the symptoms questionnaire and respective amino acids trials), a good place to get help is the GABA QuickStart Program (if you have low GABA symptoms too). This is a paid online/virtual group program where you get my guidance and community support.
If you are a practitioner, join us in The Balancing Neurotransmitters: the Fundamentals program. This is also a paid online/virtual program with an opportunity to interact with me and other practitioners who are also using the amino acids.
Wrapping up and your feedback
I do always appreciate feedback like this so keep it coming so more folks can get results.
Now I’d love to hear from you – how has DPA helped your mood and cravings (and pain too?)
Which product has worked well for you?
Do you find DPA is more effective if swallowed or as a capsule opened? And how do you describe the taste?
If you’re a practitioner do you use DPA with your clients/patients and have you had this feedback?
And please let me know if it’s helpful that I’m now including product recommendations and where to get them?
Feel free to share and ask your questions below.
Hi Trudy – thank you for all of your help. I’m glad I asked the question. I felt like it is me and was disappointed that I was reacting so negatively and couldn’t get past it. And thanks to you, Trudy, there’s an alternative. I definitely love Lidtke products. I use their Tryptophan every day.
The DPA is still making a difference for me.
Ali
You’re most welcome – thanks for letting me share and great the DPA is still making a difference for you. I also know this info will help others in a similar situation recognize how unique we all are.
Glad to hear you still love Lidtke products and get benefit from their tryptophan.
Hi, Trudy!
Just started taking Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine. Haven’t seen much difference yet. I noticed in your book that you recommend taking a free-form amino acid blend with all nine essential amino acids, including tryptophan. Any suggestions as to what to use as I can’t find anything like that. Thanks!
Denise
I have some free form amino acids listed on the supps blog https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
May I ask what you’re taking the DPA for and if it’s being used on the tongue?
Thanks for replying! I take the DPA to see if I can improve my mood. I do open it on the tongue and I like the taste of it. It has a little bit of sweet taste to me. I also read some person remarked the “phenylalanine is basically the artificial sweetener aspartame”. Is this true, do you know? I also take GABA (Source Naturals GABA Calm) , and Lidtke Tryptophan. Trying my hardest to get my brain to be happy…
Hi Trudy,
Thought you should know, Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine is no longer available. I ran out, scoured all my sources and found none. Called the manufacturer and was told it is discontinued!! I have taken it for years to help with both mood and chronic pain. I then went to my other vendors looking for ANY brand of the “D” form and NO ONE offers it now except Lidtke. I can’t take the D,L form because it makes me anxious and raises my BP.
Bottom line, Lidtke is now the only game in town. I do fine with it, but it’s very tough on my budget as I take it every day. Now we just have to hope Lidtke continues to make it.
Thanks for all you do.
Lora
Thanks for posting here and on the other DPA blog!
Posting my response here too for other readers
I emailed Doctor’s Best and received a very generic response and emailed again to try and find out if it’s a shortage or has been discontinued.
They replied to my 2nd email with this: “We appreciate your interest in the products that we offer. Unfortunately, our D-phenylalanine is temporarily out of stock and at this time, we do not have a specific restock date available. We apologize for the inconvenience.
We recommend checking back on our website periodically for updates on product availability. As soon as it is restocked, it will be listed on our website, and you’ll be able to place an order.”
Right now Lidtke Endorphigen is the only other company I know that offers DPA. Let’s hope Doctor’s Best is just a shortage. And yes, agreed, DLPA is a problem for many folks (myself included).
Can you share how DPA helps you?
Just a follow-up on the D-phenylalanine from Sept. 2024:
Re: New customer message on September 14, 2024 at 4:53 am
Dear Denise, Thank you for getting back to us. We confirm that the product is still available; however, it is currently out of stock. We suggest checking our website regularly for updates on product availability. Once it is restocked, it will be listed, and you can place your order at that time. We hope this helps and please let us know if you have other questions. Sincerely, Jay Doctor’s Best Support Team
Sincerely,
Doctor’s Best Support Team
– I have emailed them again today (May 13, 2025) to see if anything has changed. I will await their reply!
Denise
Thanks for sharing – based on my most recent feedback from them, this product has been discontinued. Such a pity
I bought D,L-Phenyalanine from Life Extension, is that not the same thing because of the “L”?
PM
Correct, DPA is very different from DLPA/ D,L-Phenyalanine. I write about the differences here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-dpa-and-dlpa-amino-acids-and-which-one-do-i-use-for-weepiness-heart-ache-pain-and-energy/
Hi Trudy,
Thank you for all you do! I feel so fortunate to have come across your website in my search for better mental health, I inhaled your book and have been trying L-Trytophan, Tyrosine, and DPA (Lidtke) in different combinations based on my questionnaire results. I feel hopeful for the first time in a very long time.
The Tryptophan is definitely helping with some symptoms, but I have a question about DPA. It is supposed to help me with teariness/sadness, but I feel it makes me much sadder! If I take Tryptophan alone, it stops the crying and dark thoughts. If I add DPA, the crying and dark thoughts come back. I have tried up to 4 DPA at a time, and it seems to just make me sadder. How is this possible? Thanks for any insight.
Annie
I love that you have hope! And it’s wonderful that tryptophan stops your crying and dark thoughts.
When DPA makes someone sadder it typically means too much is being used or low endorphins are not the issue.
Keep in mind I have clients trial one amino at a time so they can get a good baseline of results before adding in the next one.
thank you!
My 19 year old daughter has had nightmares and “strange dreams” every night for over three years. I have suggested that she try working with a therapist to see if that will help but she is reluctant to do that. Is there an amino acid that could help her?
Hi Trudy,
My 24 year old daughter has suffered with anxiety and trichotillomania for over 10 years. Recently she experienced two panic attacks in one week. She has a therapist who she talks with once a week, and although this has been helpful it hasn’t resolved the trichotillomania and anxiety. I feel very sad for her, and very frustrated that I haven’t been able to help her find a solution in all these years. Is there an amino acid that could help her? Thank you very much!
Hi Trudy,
I enjoy your book so much and trying to help my husband and children. I just purchased a few to get started. I have been told endorphigin can raise blood pressure, I am concerned. Any truth from your experience. Thank you for helping so many.
HD
So glad to hear you’re enjoying my book and trying to help my husband and children. I’d love to hear where you heard endorphigen can raise blood pressure? It’s DPA and doesn’t raise blood pressure but DLPA (a cousin of DPA) can in susceptible folks
More on the differences here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-dpa-and-dlpa-amino-acids-and-which-one-do-i-use-for-weepiness-heart-ache-pain-and-energy/
Hello! Long term follower here. Thank you for sharing your life changing research & practice! Do I “need” to open the DPA capsule. Willl it still work if swallowed whole?
Amy
I have found opening the capsules or using powder is often more effective for many of my clients. Comparing using it both ways is a good way to know. Curious how DPA is helping you right now and how much you use
And you’re most welcome!
I found a company that makes D-Phenylalanine. It is called Montiff. Do you know anything about this company? Pretty much I can’t find any other company that makes it.
Denise
This company is new to me but it looks like Montiff does make DPA. Good to know! Have you used their product and compared it with Lidtke Endorphigen or the old Doctor’s Best D-Phenylalanine?
I take DPA mainly for pain (2 herniated disks) it helps take the edge off. 500 mg 2x daily (Vitacost, now or Lidtke. I should probably revisit opening the capsule to see if it’s more effective, but I can’t get past the taste, chocolate? Not! lol
I also take 200 mg SAMe and both products help with pain and mood. In addition I take 1000mg l- tryptophan at bedtime with magnesium, & 1 True Calm I take 1 GABA Calm in the morning and occasionally another as needed during the day. I’ve also recently added 3-4 grams of creatine & it’s been a game changer for perimenopause brain fog.
I’m grateful I’ve found a combo of supplements that help me with living my best life along with mindful diet & body movement (walking, yoga moderate weights). I’ve struggled with depression throughout my life, but once I hit my 40s couldn’t tolerate the side effects of antidepressants. I found Julie Ross & then you as my light houses. I used to worry about staying on these supplements long-term. I’ve tried weaning off but the mood plummets. I wish more health care providers were schooled in these alternative treatments. Thank you, for you passion & knowledge that help so many
Amy
Wonderful feedback and thanks for sharing – love this – ” I found Julie Ross & then you as my light houses” 🙂 and you’re welcome!
So glad DPA helps with the pain from herniated disks – could you clarify it’s DPA and not DLPA since Vitacost doesn’t have a DPA and nor does NOW.
It’s likely the SAMe, tryptophan and GABA all help with pain reduction
I’m loving how beneficial creatine is for so many
Forgot to add I also take 500 mg tyrosine in morning. Didn’t wanna leave anything out in case it helps someone.
Trudy,
Well, so glad you pointed that out about the DPA vs DLPA! An oversight, indeed. I do not care for the “L” form but somehow picked it up on Vitacost in an attempt si save some $$ over the Lidtke so in the garbage goes my
L-Phenylalanine & just ordered 2 bottles of Lidtke Endorphigen on Amazon..crisis averted!