Today I’m reviewing DPA (or d-phenylalanine) for weepiness, pain and comfort and reward eating. This amino acid is a favorite with so many of my clients because it helps with the above by boosting your endorphins and when you open a capsule onto your tongue you feel like you just got a big hug. It’s a really good feeling!
I’m also sharing some additional resources for you on DPA.
DPA and endorphins
DPA 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 someone does something nice for you. Taking the amino acid, DPA, helps to raise your endorphins.
Low endorphins and weepiness
With low endorphins you’re very weepy. You may be overly emotional. If you watched a TV ad or you watched a really sad movie, you may be more prone to crying than the average person.
It’s also known as the break-up pill and is very helpful when going through a relationship split.
It’s also extremely helpful after a stressful event. I spoke with a friend who was impacted by Hurricane Harvey and recommended DPA for the weepiness she was starting to feel a few days after the clean-up efforts. It’s one of the amino acids I recommend in my blog: Nutrition solutions for psychological stress after a natural disaster
Low endorphins and pain
As well as being sensitive to emotional pain (the crying and the weepiness), you also tend to be sensitive to physical pain when endorphins are low.
We know acupuncture raises your endorphin levels and eases pain. Using DPA helps physical pain in a similar way. Pain can be caused by low GABA and low serotonin, an inflammatory diet, a high oxalate diet or nightshades, something physical like a fall, osteoarthritis or an autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis. If there is also a low endorphin aspect to your pain, DPA can provide some pain reduction.
Low endorphins and comfort/reward eating
Another symptom of low endorphins is comfort/reward eating. You may relate to the term emotional eating. It often goes like this: “This is my reward. This is my treat. I absolutely deserve it.”
And when you consume those carbohydrates – that bowl of ice cream, that bowl of cereal, that chocolate chip cookie, that chocolate cup-cake – you feel like “this is my reward, this comforts me.” When you use DPA you can literally take it or leave it. Really!
DPA is one of the amino acids that help you easily quit sugar without having to use massive willpower and without feeling deprived. The best way to figure it out is to do the amino acid mood questionnaire
Here is a summary to help you figure out which brain chemistry imbalance is driving your sugar cravings (and mood issues):
- if you have to eat sugar when you haven’t eaten in awhile it’s likely low blood sugar and glutamine on the tongue stops the sugar desire on the spot
- if you stress-eat your sugar cravings are likely due to low GABA, and GABA will stop the stress-eating and calm you down
- if you eat sugar or carbs to feel happy (and especially from late afternoon onwards) then your sugar cravings are likely due to low serotonin, and tryptophan stops the cravings and boosts mood and reduces anxiety
- if you eat sugar for an energy boost then it’s likely due to low catecholamines and tyrosine will stop those cravings and give you a mood and energy boost
- if you are a comfort-eater or big emotional eater, then it’s likely due to low endorphins and DPA will stop that “I deserve-it-reward-eating” and also give you a hug-like mood boost
And remember it’s not unusual to need to address all areas. You can have low GABA anxiety and low endorphins too and low blood sugar. If this is the case I have my clients address one at a time.
If addressing low endorphins helps reduce or eliminate the reward eating and helps you eat less or no sugar it means less impact on your adrenals and more even blood sugar levels and therefore less anxiety too.
As with all the amino acids, when using DPA:
- Start low (500mg is a typical starting dose) and increase as needed.
- Do a trial to determine if the emotional eating is due to low endorphins. I always do this with clients before starting any amino acid. Be sure to read how to do an amino acid trial. It has the amino acid questionnaire, the precautions and information on how to use targeted individual amino acids.
- Take between meals and away from protein for the best effects
This blog post is part of the series of amino acid product reviews:
- Tryptophan for low serotonin (worry-in-the-head anxiety)
- GABA for low GABA symptoms (physical anxiety)
- Glutamine for calming, intense sugar cravings, gut healing and low blood sugar
- Tyrosine for focus, motivation, energy, a good mood and possibly even anxiety
The resources in this blog and my other articles are intended to be used in conjunction with my book: The Antianxiety Food Solution – How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood, and End Cravings. If you do not have my book I highly recommend getting it and reading it before jumping in and taking the amino acid supplements:
There is a complete chapter on the amino acids and one for pyroluria, plus information on real whole food, sugar and blood sugar, gluten, digestion and much more.
The Lidtke Endorphigen 500mg product is the one I recommend. You can find this DPA product and the others I recommend on this blog: The Antianxiety Food Solution Amino Acid and Pyroluria Supplements.
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Update Feb 20, 2020:
DPA is one of my top products that I recommend. I do find it much more effective than DPLA (for endorphin boosting) so I no longer recommend or use DLPA.
I used to recommend simply chewing the capsule to get the quickest and best effects and this worked well when this product was produced in a gelatin capsule. Now it’s made with a cellulose capsule and chewing doesn’t work at all well so opening the capsule (or just biting off the top) and tipping the powder into your mouth works well.
It does taste quite pleasant – some of my clients think it has a dark chocolate-like taste. A few people don’t like the taste at all but even then, it is still very effective when low endorphins are an issue.
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I’d love to hear if DPA has worked for you and how it’s helped?
If you have questions please post them below or on the supplements blog
Thanks for this information, Trudy. Just what I needed to read. I’ve been struggling with food cravings at night before going to sleep. I’m hoping DPA is just the ticket. You’re amazing.
Also, I wanted to let you know that several of the links in your article are not working. Maybe your webmaster can take care of that?
Hi Vineeta
I’m pleased this is helpful for you. I would suggest reviewing the summary and amino acid questionnaire as food cravings at night can also be due to low serotonin and low blood sugar.
Thanks for the heads up about the broken links and sorry about that – we’ll get them fixed!
Vineeta
All the links are working for me – what error were you seeing?
Hi Trudy, You are absolutely right. I do believe I have low serotonin. What supplements do you suggest for that? I also believe I need to change my digestive enzyme. I’ve been taking Thorne’s Betaine HCL & Pepsin for a year or two and it doesn’t work anymore. I have Hashimoto’s and more than likely low stomach acid, despite starting the day with lemon juice in warm water. Thanks so much.
Vineeta
I do a trial of tryptophan or 5-HTP if low serotonin is suspected – more here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/tryptophan-worry-head-ruminating-type-anxiety/
And yes good enzyme status is important and sometimes one with bile and pancreatic enzymes in addition to HCl and pepsin helps more.
Hey Trudy I have bipolar disorder and wonder if the DPA will send me into a manic state. Its one of the reasons I can’t take anti-depressants or stimulants otherwise I go manic. But I can eat for comfort so I only have food in the house I’m going to eat according to meal schedules. But I want to try the DPA but have pyroluria and notice on your notes that your recommended DPA product of choice allready contains 25mg p-5-p which is what I allready take – 50mg to be exact. I am wondering what to do. Can you make any recommendations and provide some good reliable factual info about the effects of DPA and bipolar?
Hi there
I can’t offer you specific advice but can share that DPA is not on the list of precautions with bipolar disorder (https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acid-precautions/). I worked with a few clients with bipolar disorder when I worked in Julia Ross’ clinic and DPA was never an issue. Other practitioners in the clinic worked with more folks with bipolar disorder and DPA was not ever an issue.
I would not recommend that someone with bipolar disorder use DLPA (dl-phenylalanine) because some of this converts to tyrosine and some boosts endorphins.
Thanks Trudy, love your postings. I did look into the DLPA btw but think I’ll check into the DPA more with other health issues like high blood pressure. I have got my pyroluria under control because of you and my life has gone back to normal. YAY!
Wonderful to hear about the pyroluria!
What about the L-Phenylalaline from the brand NOW? Is it the same effect? It’s confusing. Thank you!
Belal
Yes it is a bit confusing. This blog is about DPA or d-phenylalanine. LPA (l-phenylalanine) and DLPA (dl-phenylalanine) are different enough that I prefer DPA for boosting endophins. LPA and DLPA do boost endorphins to some extent but they also boost catecholamines and can be too stimulating for some folks with anxiety.
For this reason I prefer to use DPA for boosting endorphins and tyrosine separately if catecholamine support is needed.
Hi! Trudy. I only found L-Phenylalanine and DLPA at Natural Grocers. They do not even carry DPA. I already have Tyrosine so I wouldn’t need the DLPA anyway, and noticed that DLPA is not recommended any more. I do have anxiety and am on an SSRI. Do you know of any stores that carry DPA? Otherwise, I will order the product that you recommend. Thank you. 🙂
Renee
Great informative post Trudy, thank you. We can’t get Lidtke products here in the UK unless in special orders and it’s not always guaranteed. Would this D, L-Phenylalanine product from Life Extension not be a suitable substitute as I note from one of your responses above:
‘I would not recommend that someone with bipolar disorder use DLPA (dl-phenylalanine) because some of this converts to tyrosine and some boosts endorphins’
and with my COMT and MOAO SNP’s we know Tyrosine can be an issue?:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Extension-L-Phenylalanine-500mg-Vegetarian-Capsules/dp/B00BQ1BDOY/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1505999955&sr=8-2&keywords=d-phenylalanine
Drew
As I said to Belal, DPA or d-phenylalanine is not the same as LPA (l-phenylalanine) and DLPA (dl-phenylalanine). LPA and DLPA do boost endorphins to some extent but they also boost catecholamines and can be too stimulating for some folks with anxiety, plus impact sleep.
For this reason I prefer to use DPA for boosting endorphins and tyrosine separately if catecholamine support is needed. When tyrosine is an issue I would avoid LPA and DLPA.
Excellent, thanks for confirming Trudy. 🙂 I will continue my search to source Love Litdke EndorphiGen (DPA) in the UK! 🙂 I think it’s best for me to stay well away from any catecholamine boosters!
Drew
Doctor’s Best also makes it but I can’t vouch for the quality
I am currently going through a benzo taper & there are numerous wonderful products that I am unable to mix with benzos. Would this be safe for me?
Kristie
I have not had issues with DPA with clients who are doing a benzo taper. I’m curious to hear which wonderful products you are having a difficult time with. I know some of the great support groups say not to use GABA but I find it very helpful.
Hello Trudy,
i would like to ask if 1) this product is Gluten Free, and 2) what effect if any would it have on blood pressure (mine is naturally low and i had to stop using 5-HTP as it appeared to lower it even more).
Arleen
Lidtke DPA is gluten-free and I have not seen it to be an issue with low blood pressure.
Thank you so much for this information, Trudy!
I have heard that phenylalanine is basically the artificial sweetener aspartame……it this true?
Minnie
Aspartame is made by joining together the amino acids aspartic acid and phenylalanine
Thank you very much Trudy!
Have a Blessed day.
Wow, ok, now confused? Sounds like your saying this product is in fact “aspartame,” which I can’t imagine being a prescribed to anyone.
Dear Truddy Scott
I Wish u a nice day , I have weepy Depression which is Genetic I am 70 yrs and uses anti Depressant CIPRALEX 20mg , can I Take with cipralex Ldtke Endorphigen DPA Safely, HOW many times ie 3 times before food or After food? I will be Grateful for Your Guidance.
Thank you
MS
Dear MS
I have not had issues with clients using DPA with an SSRI. My blogs posts are written to support what I’ve covered in my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” (on amazon here http://amzn.to/2kptFWm) so I’m assuming folks have read it and if not I highly recommend it! It has all the foundations of diet, gut health, blood sugar control etc (which is very valuable for any mood issues) plus there is an entire chapter on the amino acids – which are always taken between meals.
Hi Dear Trudy Scott
Thanks for kind and Valuable Guidance.
Best Regds
MS
Hi Trudy….thanks so much for all you do. I just started DPA because of my “I deserve this” sessions after work–working to see how much I actually need to take.
Have you addressed issues of WHEN aminos should be taken? I have seen your comments re taking or not taking some items in the evenings because of sleep issues. Seems to me aminos should be taken with food since we don’t naturally get them anywhere else or do we? What about other supplements/minerals/vitamins? It would be lovely, if you haven’t already done so, to do a whole blog post on timing…with food or without, morning /afternoon/evening, and what counts as “inbetween meals”–how many minutes before or after I eat must I wait?
Thank you again for all your help, encouragement, knowledge, and for how available it is!
Hi Penny
My blogs posts are written to support what I’ve covered in my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” (on amazon here http://amzn.to/2kptFWm) so I’m assuming folks have read it and if not I highly recommend it! It has all the foundations of diet plus all the details you mention (which are all excellent questions). There is an entire chapter on the amino acids – which are always taken between meals.
Do let us know how your DPA trial goes – my clients love this amino acid!
Thanks Trudy, is this the correct one that you mentioned above?
http://www.bodykind.com/product/1307-best-d_phenylalanine-60-x-500mg-vegicaps.aspx
Drew – yes it is
Thanks Trudy! 🙂
Hi Trudy,
Thank you so much for being such a reliable and positive source of information.
I am 27 and on a journey try to correct SIBO and now what I realize is also a systemic Candida issue…it has been a long go of restrictive eating for 5 months plus almost a year of try to cure SIBO (my methane numbers aren’t even that high!). I’ve had anxiety issues since I was a teenager which have flared up in my adult years and apparently do not have a thyroid issue even though that runs in my family.
With all the supplements I’ve been trying to manage taking, it is still obvious to me that I have amino acid deficiencies. All of the side effects that you’ve discussed in this post and in others common to amino acid deficiencies I have and have had worse prior to starting the SIBO journey, but I know I need to address these badly. Can you give me any ideas of where to start?! Like I said, I have enough pills to take currently and adding a variety of other pills wouldn’t necessarily be ideal but I do want a solution after YEARS! I missed out on being a laid back teenager and young adult and I don’t want to waste any more time in my adult years dealing with overwhelming anxiety!
Thank you again for all that you do! It’s hard to find a nutritionist/naturopath/holistic practitioner that specialize in all the above so it’s been a long and windy road (but full of good lessons too!)
Thank you.
Zoe
There may not be a sure answer to this, but with your expertise, maybe you can shed some light. I know that supplementing with amino acids etc. is not advised in pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, I am wondering whether someone who is hoping to become pregnant might be able to supplement with DPA at all during the first half of a menstrual cycle, during the window between learning that pregnancy was not achieved last cycle and ovulation in the current cycle. Or should it be definitely avoided for longer before conception?
It may be grasping at straws. But for women who do not conceive quickly, it can be hard to be off helpful supplements indefinitely. (Was also wondering this about 5HTP.) My questions in a nutshell are 1) whether you have any insight into the safety of that – could it affect either fertility or the health of a baby potentially conceived that cycle and 2) whether it would even be beneficial to take DPA (or 5-htp) in a short burst.
Of course, in a perfect world, a woman who wishes to become pregnant would have any issues sorted beforehand. But life is full of ups and downs, and the trying-to-conceive process itself can be very difficult emotionally. I personally wonder if it would be safe and helpful to try to boost/replenish things to keep myself on an even keel if I don’t conceive in the next little while, especially as fall and winter settles onto us up here in the Northern hemisphere 🙂
Emily
There is no research on this so I’m afraid I don’t have an answer for you except to say I that the ideal is for all want-to-be-moms (and dads – since they are half the equation) to be in a good place both mentally and physically before falling pregnant for the sake of the baby and mom
Sorry to bother you with this, but just thought to ask:
I just read that the DPA you recommend (Lidtke Endorphigen 500m) is “phenylalanine”, which supposedly is ‘basically the artificial sweetener aspartame’… Is this true?
And another commenter on Amazon said that the Lidke Tryptophan product contains ‘hyrpomellose, a semi-synthetic polymer’…??
Also, could you recommend where one might find information on whether or not it is okay to mix these amino acids while taking. I kinda feel like I have symptoms from all of the categories (low GABA, low endorphins, low catecholamines, low serotonin, etc). I have taken Source Naturals GABA (not sure if noticed much), and Jarrows Tyrosine (think it helped a bit). Would like to maybe try DPA and Tryptophan and from the brands you recommend as working best. Think that is Lidke, but also saw that you now have a new website or are affiliated with a nutrients website offering many products. Any help which direction to go greatly appreciated.
My OATs test from great planes suggests i take this to support dopamine levels..as mine were low. What is your take on that?
Amanda
I use the questionnaire and response to the amino acids as the OAT does not always reflect dopamine and other neurotransmitter status accurately.
Hi Trudy, I absolutely love your generous heart and the time you have dedicated to studying, researching. I am about to purchase GABA and wondering where I can access the best brands possible within Australia?
Also how do approach the males in the family with the information you are sharing, as the website focuses on ladies, I don’t mind, but the guys might bring up a question or two 🙂
Thanks again Trudy, keep up the fantastic work you are doing. By the way, I’ve done the OAT test via The Great Plains Laboratory, and it was so so revealing, extremely helpful. Showed high oxilates and tryptophan high due to a confusion in pathways, which you addressed in one of your summits. Fortunately I have a good Naturopath to guide me along with this, as it is quite complicated for a non practitioner when it comes to deciphering all the information. I do still need guidance from the yourself though as what you have discovered that works re mood, is importantly specific in nature. Cheers, Rose.
Rose
You are most welcome! Your naturopath can provide GABA and theanine from Bioceuticals or products can be purchased via iherb. I am working on a resource specifically for Australians and New Zealanders and will share it once it’s ready – it will include a number of options.
Keep in mind that I have a professional difference of opinion regarding high quinolinic acid on OAT and find the addition of vitamin B6 prevents issues
I’m afraid I can’t help with my female-centric focus 🙂 other than to say I will be changing the website to anxiety nutrition solutions
Hi Trudy, thank you for your prompt reply. Happy Easter by the way!
Enjoyed sharing a virtual lunch with family today:)
Yes Bioceuticals, thanks for that, seeing my Naturopath via virtual
visit this week. I have been feeling a little weepy-not like me
at all. Anyway I’m figuring I should start with GABA.
Great to find out you’re working on local supplements thank you so much.
You’re spot on re the quinolinic acid, it’s high, so shall buy some B6.
I’m talking multi B at present, so how much additional B6 would be acceptable?
I have shared some information with the boys, so leaving it up to them
for now.
One of them is dealing with insomnia, very intelligent and a great
thinker……an entrepreneur in the making I would say.
Have a great week Trudy. I would post one of my favourite roses as a gift
to you, but not sure how to upload a pic at this stage.
Gratefully,
Rose.
Hi Trudy, thank you so much for the information about DPA!
I’m a bit concerned that taking DPA regularly could lead to a decrease in the body’s production of endorphins through biological feedback. Please allow me to explain.
Because there will be more endorphins to go around due to DPA holding off their breakdown, it could lead the body into thinking that endorphin production needs to be decreased in order to maintain a “just enough” level in the bloodstream. This could create a dependence on DPA in the long term, with the user requiring more and more of it in order to stay feeling good.
I have no evidence to support this idea, it is just a hunch. In your experience, have you come across any studies or anecdotal evidence to support this?
Sonal
I have not seen this or seen any research that indicates this happens. Ideally it should be short-term use as with all the amino acids – and finding the root cause of low levels and addressing that
Hi Sonal, I find your thoughts on DPA interesting. I haven’t taken DPA as I feel I receive enough through diet. I do often wonder how much nutrition my body is absorbing as I have a variation of the MTFHR gene. Anyway I’m getting off track. I’m all for finding root causes so wondering if you’ve had any testing done? I can relate to the weepiness, although not prone to this I have experienced those emotions a couple of times during the current period of isolation. Journalling has been, and still is, both satisfying and rewarding. Have you ever tried it? I have found out a great deal about what was/is going on in my subconscious. Mainly relational issues have arisen, so I just keep writing until there are no further words. The main benefits for me are: a wonderful time of forgiving others; perceiving difficulties others have been through which coloured their behavour towards me, and sensing compassion towards those people. I’ve simply loved the aha moments and the resultant freedom within myself.
Trudy, thanks for sharing the Lidtke brand with us all! Shall be doing something about that very soon. I haven’t tried GABA as yet, as I feel that I’m doing ok. Something you might find fascinating, although probably not too surprising. During a tummy spasm last week I thought I would experiment with Magnesium. I crushed a tab in between a cloth until it was powdery and popped it on my tongue. I was more than happy to find that the spasm eased off. Better sign off:) Boquets to you both, Rose.
Hi Trudy,
I’m wondering if these amino acids are safe for kids and how high doses? My 10 yr old has been diagnosed with social anxiety and she ticks off most of the boxes for gaba, seratonin, dpa, she’s very sensitive and very very emotional. We tried, but can’t seem to find a naturopath that can help her much. I feel after a while they all reach a dead end. I have been following you for a year and recently got your book. It looks relatively easy to follow, however I’m a bit reluctant, as she’s a kid. It’s also a challenge to get some recommended supplements, like Lidtke, to ship to Canada. We would be very grateful for any help. Perhaps someone else has a kid with similar issues and tried some of amino acids.
Thank you,
Anna
Anna
I work with women and once they have figured out the amino acids and neurotransmitter imbalances themselves they find it much easier to help their children who often have similar issues. When that is not the case working with a practitioner is ideal. That being said many moms become informed and educated enough to trial the amino acids on their own (like this mom https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-children-adhd-focus-issues-irritability-anxiety-tantrums/). I will be offering my amino acid group online training with live Q and A calls in about a month and that could be an option.
Hi Trudy,
I currently attended to her anxiety 6 summit And am still benefiting from all that I’m learning from the different speakers that I’m catching up on. I am trying to get a handle on anxiety and depression and want to try the DPA you suggested, just wondering what is a good reliable source to get it from?
Also I noticed that you are not taking patients at this time is there a doctor you would recommend that is?
Thank you so much.
Dorothy
I like the Lidtke brand of DPA. You can find products here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
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.
Hi Trudy, I am trying to get off prescription pain medication and have read that DPA really helps — do you have any knowledge and/or experience with this? There is a very popular opiate withdrawal support website that recommends 500mg 3x/daily. Since amino acids need to be taken away from food and other amino acids…I feel like it could be very easy to make the DPA go to waste if not taken at exactly the right time every day. The insomnia is the worst part of opiate WD for me — days can go by with only 20-45 minutes of sleep. I have a little one to care for and the stress of no sleep just makes me want to give up. No sleep worsens my physical pain as I toss and turn for hours on end. It isn’t a surprise that then causes terrible emotional distress. One more question…since Vitamin C does help WD, I take liposomal version multiple times a day — does it affect/break down DPA?
Eddi
DPA does help with withdrawal from prescription pain medication. It does need to be used away from protein and the dosing can vary for each person. A starting dose is 500mg used 3 to 4x day and we go up from there. Vitamin C is best used away from the amino acids so as not to reduce the effects.
Can you please share the link to the opiate withdrawal support website that is recommending DPA? I’m so pleased to hear this.
With sleep issues we also look into supporting low serotonin and low GABA. This can also help with reducing pain in many cases.
There may be additional steps depending on the type of pain medication. May I ask what prescription pain medication you are wanting to get off?
Of course, a comprehensive approach is key so removing inflammatory foods, the addition of anti-inflammatory nutrients and figuring out the root cause of the pain.