The synthesis of dopamine in the body goes
protein----> phenylalanine ----> levodopa ----> dopamine
Since dopamine can't pass the BBB, we take levodopa.
But long term side effects mean dyskinesia etc.
Therefore why not take phenylalanine??
Well, being a white rat, I tried it a year ago but it did not switch me on.
Maybe I had too low a dose, I don't know. So I dropped the idea.
However, the report below suggests that it works.
Any ideas? Girija, what do you think?
Ron

Brain Food: Nuts! (Part 1) | Nutrition Wonderland
By Christie Wilcox
Almonds contain phenylalanine, which unlike other compounds crosses the blood-brain barrier easily, and has been shown to alleviate Parkinson's Disease and boost the neurotransmitters dopamine and adrenaline. ...
Nutrition Wonderland - http://nutritionwonderland.com/