DPA (d-phenylalanine) is an amino acid that destroys the enzyme that breaks down endorphins. Endorphins are feel-good chemicals that you experience with an endorphin rush when you go for a run or when someone gives you a big hug, when you show kindness to someone or an individual does something nice for you.
Taking the amino acid, DPA, as a supplement helps to raise your endorphins and helps when you feel weepy and overly emotional AND reduces the need to self-medicate with treats as a reward or for comfort. This amino acid is a favorite with so many of my clients and community because it makes them feel so lovely.
My recommendation has always been to chew the DPA capsule for the best effects and to get results quickly (in 2-5 minutes) but I’ve now changed my recommendation. Instead of chewing the whole capsule I now recommend opening the capsule into your mouth.
New DPA recommendation – open the capsule instead of chewing it
I’ve updated the Antianxiety Food Solution Amino Acid and Pyroluria Supplements blog as follows:
When it was in a gelatin capsule, the warmth of the mouth dissolved the gelatin and you could eat the capsule together with the DPA. With the cellulose capsule, chewing it leas to much of the DPA getting partially stuck in the chewed capsule, which is not very pleasant to chew and swallow. The DPA is simply much more palatable and effective when it’s opened up into the mouth, rather than chewed. There is one caveat – the taste of the DPA itself – but if you’ve been chewing it you’ll be fine opening the capsule going forward.
My favorite DPA product is Lidtke Endorphigen. It contains 500mg and a tiny amount of vitamin B2 and vitamin B6.
You’ll notice the bottle says: “Maintain healthy endorphin levels to ease minor pain.” Physical pain relief is one of the side-benefits of DPA, but you could easily replace this statement.
Results for weepiness and a deep heart-ache, and the taste of DPA
Missy shares how DPA helps her deep heart-ache sort of feeling:
I have found I was using this product incorrectly. If you are feeling fine, you do not feel much of anything from it. But today I was weepy and felt that deep, heart-ache sort of feeling. I chewed 1000 mgs (2 capsules) and it DID help lift that awful feeling within 15 minutes.
Notice that she said if you’re feeling fine you don’t feel much at all. This is true of all the amino acids – they only make a difference when you need them.
Missy chewed the capsule but with the new cellulose capsule it’s much more palatable when it’s opened up into the mouth. She also reported what about half my clients say:
Tastes like slightly bitter dark chocolate. 🙂
The remainder of my clients don’t like the taste at all, although many say the taste grows on them. I’ve always been in the dark chocolate camp and find it quite pleasant tasting.
If you have a really hard time with the taste of the DPA, you can mix it with a small amount of GABA powder (assuming low GABA is also an issue) or inositol powder (if low serotonin and obsessions and ruminations are also an issue) as both of these are naturally quite sweet.
Results for a compulsive desire for food
Nanner finds that opening a capsule into her mouth gets rid of the compulsive desire for food:
It really helps! Whenever I notice I am opening cupboards when I cannot possibly be really hungry, I open one capsule and pour it into my mouth, let it dissolve. I like the taste! The compulsive desire for food goes away, and I am able to re-focus my attention and get on with my day. Amazing! Now, I just need to form a new habit and remember to DO IT!!! Lol
Take note how quickly this works for her. She is actually opening cupboards and on the prowl for a treat or reward, recognizes this and has some DPA and viola, she no longer needs the sweet comfort she was seeking. In an ideal world she would be taking DPA a few times a day until she has good levels of endorphins. In this instance there would be no cupboard prowling. But as you can see, it can be used on-demand with excellent results.
DPA, glutamine, GABA, tryptophan (or 5-HTP) and tyrosine are ALL powerful for eliminating sugar cravings – is it low endorphins?
The individual amino acids DPA, glutamine, GABA, tryptophan (or 5-HTP) and tyrosine are ALL powerful for eliminating sugar cravings, often within 5 minutes. It seems that this wonderful benefit – over and above the anxiety-reducing and mood-boosting benefits – is often overlooked or poorly understood.
If you’re not certain if your cravings are comfort/reward cravings the best way to figure it which neurotransmitter deficiency is affecting your sugar cravings is to do the amino acid mood questionnaire and also review the list on this blog for further clarification: The individual amino acids glutamine, GABA, tryptophan (or 5-HTP), DPA and tyrosine are powerful for eliminating sugar cravings, often within 5 minutes
The big clue with low endorphins is that you may also feel weepy, overly emotional and sometimes experience physical pain. The emotional connection to the treat – be it chocolate or ice-cream or cookies – feels very real and very strong too and you can’t imagine having to give up this treat you clearly deserve.
Resources for you related to this blog
Here is one paper, which discusses how DPA inhibits or breaks down enkephalins (endorphins are closely related compounds) and as a result helps with depression and pain, and acts as an anti-inflammatory. This paper, discusses beta-endorphins and the reward mechanism and how they can induce euphoria, reduce pain and ease addictions and distress. Despite that fact that this is discussed in the context of drugs and alcohol, more and more research is showing parallels between drug and food cravings.
Here is the amino acid questionnaire
You can find the DPA and other amino acid products I use with my clients here.
As always, thanks for sharing your feedback and questions on my facebook page and in all the blog comments. It allows me to write blogs like this and share your own feedback and experiences.
I have to say that I agree with Sandra’s sentiments and so do most of my clients:
Honestly I think the whole world needs this!
Do let us know if DPA has helped you with reducing weepiness, comfort/reward eating?
Has it also helped with easing physical pain too?
And have you noticed DPA works best when opened up onto your tongue? And are you in the dark chocolate camp and find it quite pleasant tasting?
Trudy,
I first tried DPA after reading about it on your blog and found it helpful for raising my mood. (Lidtke Endorphigen 1 cap/day.) I have chronic Lyme which creates severe difficulty with sleep, anxiety, depression. The DPA definitely helped curb my weepiness. Six months ago my neurologist took me off DPA saying it would be too stimulating to my nervous system. (Chemical Rx’s are a nightmare for me; so I also had been using Lidtke tryptophan for sleep, but stopped when it caused bad jaw clenching. Same issue, plus body aches, with 5-HTP.) I have since begun using DPA again; I really need the endorphin boost. Do you have any insights on whether DPA is considered stimulating? Whether it interferes with sleep? Or suggestions for time of day to take it? Thank you!
Misha
There is no evidence that DPA is too stimulating whereas DLPA is known to be stimulating (it works like a combination of DPA and tyrosine). That said anything is possible which is why using the amino acids is based on the questionnaire and trials to see how a person responds. The best way to know if sleep is affected is to monitor sleep when using it and when not using it
When I hear all this it tells me a client needs DPA:
– “found it helpful for raising my mood”
– “The DPA definitely helped curb my weepiness”
– “I have since begun using DPA again; I really need the endorphin boost”
With regards to Lidtke tryptophan and 5-HTP causing jaw clenching and body aches – this makes me suspect either low serotonin is not an issue or too much was used.
I do have excellent results with GABA for Lyme anxiety and insomnia – more here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-helps-with-lyme-anxiety/ and the pyroluria protocol seems to help a great deal too. Dr. Klinghardt believes pyroluria needs to be addressed in all Lyme patients.
Also in case you’re not familiar with Dr. Darin Ingels, his book “The Lyme Solution” is excellent https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-lyme-solution-by-dr-darin-ingels/
Trudy thx for sharing your knowledge. It’s deeply appreciated. I will definitely revisit pyroluria and look into testing. Re: DPA, unfortunately my sleep is bad whether I take it or not. I’m a regular GABA user, and while it’s been useful for daytime anxiety, it has not produced sound sleep (yet I continue to take it at night).
In case helpful to others, here’s more about my experience with Tryptophan and 5-HTP…
I started taking Lidtke tryptophan (also used tryptophan complete) several yrs ago mainly for insomnia and worry. Took 1000mg tryptophan; 6 months ago slowly dropped to 250mg after neurologist pointed out link to my teeth clenching. I had not known this was side effect. Even at lower does it still caused clenching. Switched to 5-HTP. Tried 200mg dose (recommended by Klinghardt trained Lyme ND) which caused debilitating muscle ache; backed off to 50mg but still clenched. Now, I don’t take either.
Initially it seemed like the tryptophan helped with my sleep (one dose late afternoon; one late evening), but over long run neither product has resolved my insomnia. I currently use sublingual melatonin and 200mg of Zen (GABA) (and frequently magnesium foot bath) before bed and/or one of the many times I awake during the night. I also used these supps when I was taking Tryp and 5-HTP. Unfortunately I continue to suffer difficult sleep (apparently classic Lyme symptom), which adds to day-time anxiety and other neurological Lyme issues.
Thx again for all you contribute to those of us trying to find our way through difficult health challenges toward well-being.
Misha
Thanks for sharing your tryptophan and 5-HTP experiences. I would still want to rule out if it’s too high a dose. Some of my clients do really well with a pinch or dab.
As I mentioned I have yet to see this side-effect and it so often eases TMJ and clenching. But everyone is different and we must acknowledge that not everything will work for everyone. If we were working together I’d explore other ways to support serotonin and the pyroluria protocol may be one way.
can i use DPA with 5 htp and NAC? I still don’t feel my mood and cravings are controlled with these 2. Thanks
Teri
I have clients use DPA with 5-HTP (or tryptophan) all the time and there are no known issues that I am aware of. Each is addressing a different deficiency – DPA addresses low endorphins (and weepiness and comfort cravings) and 5-HTP addresses low serotonin (and feeling down, ruminating anxiety and afternoon-and-evening cravings)
I don’t use NAC much so can’t comment on this. May I ask what you’re using this for and how it’s helping?
Hello Trudy,
Thanks in advance for your time and expertise!
What is the maximum ideal dosage that you would recommend if tfor Litdke Endorphigen and Litdke Tryptophan complete/ Litdke Slumber EZ (Tryptophan+ GABA), if one is taking both of these supplements everyday.
Thanks again,
Meghana
Meghana
It depends on each person’s unique needs. A typical dose is 500-1000mg Endorphigen 2 to 4 x a day and similar for tryptophan. GABA can range from 125mg to 500mg 2 to 4 x a day. I haven’t used the Litdke Slumber EZ so can’t comment on that one. I also find GABA is more effective opened.
What are you using and how is it helping you?
Would it be more accurate to say neurotransmitters versus endorphins? I think this belief about endorphins is a hard to kill myth. I have read where endorphin release usually requires more rigorous exercise/long-distance running or pain(such as childbirth) whereas the positive experience most of us get from exercise or treats is due to dopamine and serotonin. The positive experience from hugging is due to oxytocin.
Lisa
I’m curious why you say “this belief about endorphins is a hard to kill myth”? I’m also curious if you resonate with the low endorphin symptoms I mention and have ever trialed DPA? That may convince you!
Other than that I can share from years of experience that desire/cravings/addiction for treats or alcohol (and other “drugs of choice”) can be driven by low levels of any of the neurotransmitters and low endorphins are definately one of them.
Here is some additional reading supporting some of this: this paper mentions DPA for alcohol driven intake https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2829941 and this one mentions sugar addiction and enkephalins https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17617461
Hi can you take DPA or amino acids if you are still taking SSRI
RGog
I am not aware of any issues with DPA being used with SSRIs. There are precautions with tryptophan and 5-HTP.
Hi Trudy, I realise that you probably don’t live in South Africa anymore, but would you happen to know what products I could take for this that the sell here? Seems Solgar has something (similar), not sure if it’s then same thing as what you’re recommending. It’s DLPA – would that be a similar product to DPA? Thanks Tammy
Tammy
DLPA is similar but not quite the same as DPA – some is converted to tyrosine and some to endorphins.
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Difference between dlpa and dpa?
Robert
I’ve updated the blog with this information and the precautions to be aware of. Have you used either DPA or DLPA with success?
Can you please discuss the dosing options with DPA?
Jen
A typical staring dose is 500mg and we increase based on symptom improvements.
Thank you- yes- I see that it states 500mg for starting dose, but I guess I am wondering how high one can go, how late in the day or how far apart doses should be and if you can eventually take 1000mg in a single dose if 500mg doesn’t have any effect? Thanks again!
Hi Trudy…can you take DPA with Sam-e?
Many thanks
T
I’ve had clients use both
Hello Trudy,
I have symptoms that replicate both a need for DPA and DLPA. I have been taking 500 mg DLPA for 5 days. I can not tell much of a difference yet.
Also, your recent email about GABA led me to research that states most people with sleep apnea have low levels of GABA, so I will be adding that to my supplemental intake shortly. Thank you for your assistance to so many throughout the world!
EJ
500mg is a typical starting dose and we increase from there. I actually prefer to use DPA and tyrosine separately for best results. What are your symptoms?
Please do share a link to the GABA sleep apnea research
Research on GABA and sleep apnea…
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/sleep-apnea-takes-a-toll-on-brain-function#
Symptoms – eczema since birth, depression, sleep apnea, arthritis, emotional, post-menopausal, cognitive issues, nerve issues, feeling drained all the time, anxiety all the time, but worse in evening.
EJ
Thank you for sharing this GABA sleep apnea research! I’ll be digging deeper and doing a new blog post on the topic so please do share your GABA results when it comes to apnea and other low GABA symptoms.
I’d suspect low serotonin too – anxiety worse in the evening is a clue.
When you are new to the amino acids and anxiety nutrition solutions my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is an excellent resource https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
All these other factors may come into play too: high cortisol, low blood sugar, gluten (especially with eczema and arthritis), sugar, caffeine, alcohol, gut health/parasites and not eating enough quality animal protein and health fats + organic veg and fruit – also covered in my book.
I have been having a lot of stress since March with my husband being diagnose with heart issues and back and forth to the big city to hospitals and me driving freeways that I’m not used to driving and staying in hotels. This has left me feeling exhausted and down with feeling of anxiety. I am taking four inositol two times per day and 2 L tryptophan at night with one GABA and one P5P for the tryptophan to work better. I’m wondering if the DHA will work for me and if it helps with anxiety.
Sherry
I am sorry to hear about your husband and your increased stress. I think you’re asking about DPA – it can make you more resilient – more here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/when-using-the-amino-acid-dpa-d-phenylalanine-i-have-more-resilience-and-more-buffer-in-the-caregiving-work-i-do-and-just-the-oopss-of-life/
And all the dietary changes go without saying – more in my book https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
i’ve tried lots of the different amino acids to see which one might help with my symptoms (extreme fatigue, low motivation, social anxiety/fear of rejection, low mood and comfort eating). The only one that has ever made a difference is DPA (DL-PA and tyrosine worsened anxiety). For 2 blissful weeks I felt fantastic, and wondered if this was what “normal people” felt like all of the time. And then it stopped working. Can you think of any reason for this?
Ali
Wonderful that you felt fantastic for 2 blissful weeks. This is unusual but when it does happen we look to see if a stressful even happened – outside stress, illness, being glutened, seasonal allergies etc and increase the amount of DPA for a short period. With DPA using a free form amino acid (with tryptophan) helps boost endorphins.
Also optimal thyroid function is key for the amino acids to be affective.
And all the dietary changes go without saying – more in my book https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
I’ll have to give this a try. Something of interest I don’t know if any other folks have found this, I’ve been working with tryptophan(1000mg a night) with inositol powder 2.5g, 5HTP (in the AM 100mg) and GABA 250mg throughout the day and in the middle of the night for anxiety attacks, for my anxiety and depression with insomnia….I do get some minor results which has helped, except have found after 2 months, I have suddenly developed carb and sugar cravings…I know the opposite of what should be happening.
Also, developed diarrhoea, but I do have a history of IBS for over 30 years and I believe longer, as I was tested at the age of 9 for ulcers due to constant stomach aches. Now at 70 I still deal with that issue, but do have it under control with my diet for the most part.
I have been diagnosed with GAD anxiety, (intense anxiety/panic attacks, even being woken up by them resulting in only 2-3 of sleep per night, acute depression which was re-triggers from a trauma 18 months ago, through me into a real tailspin which I’m having a really hard time dealing with. Every doctor wants to put me back on SSRI’s, no desire to go there again as they didn’t really work for me and now that I’m off of them I have no desire to go back on them, hence the reason I’m trying the amino acids. I do have your book and worked through weekly tests. It’s a lot to balance out.
Just wondered if anyone else found these results. Will try the DPA, have to order from the UK as I live in Portugal and its very difficult to find these items, I do use iHerb as they deliver here, but not the brands that you recommend. Takes over 3 weeks to come from the UK. Any advice is welcomed. Thank you for your time and all that you do, I am constantly telling folks about you and try going the natural way for anxiety.
Francesca
With diarrhea I’d suspect inositol and with cravings not helped by amino acids we look into candida
Hi Trudy, thank you so much for the reply….no I don’t have candida. I have IBS from stress, have dealt with it all my life and have done well with my diet, so when I go off this can happen. But good to know about the inositol.
Francesca
i have been taking l-phenylalanine for some time but suspect based upon your questioneer that i should take DPA. Should i take both as they treat different things or take DLPA. What is your recommendation?
Karen
I have some clients who use both but typically have clients use DPA and tyrosine 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 your emails and blogs. A wealth of information and condolences to you and your family.
I have APS and have to go on warfarin. Are any of the amino acid’s contraindicated with this drug. GI bleed is a concern. TIA
Marilyn
Thanks for your kind words – it really is appreciated
I’m not aware of any issues but I don’t have a definitive answer for you about amino acids and warfarin. I have added it to my list of topics to look into. Please do share what your doctor or pharmacist advises. May I ask which amino acids you do use and how they are helping?
In case you missed this blog on APS https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/migraines-anxiety-antiphospholipid-syndrome-chronic-headache-migraine-summit/ Also, I’ve had clients work with naturopathic doctors who specialize in autoimmunity.