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Suggest Treatment For Depression, Vitiligo Around Eyes And Genitals

Posted on Mon, 14 Sep 2015

Question: Hello,
I have vitiligo around eyes since 15, hasn't spread and on geneital area, slow spread and little re-pigmentation. I take a variety of supplements. I want to try taking phenylalanine, which could help with vitiligo and depression.

I take B-vitamins, tyrosine in the morning, 5htp 50mg-100mg at night. I also consume alcohol at the weekend. I'm thinking of replacing the tyrosine with phenylalanine in the morning, and want to ask about the dosage, if it's ok to take with my other supplements and if to avoid it when planning to consume alcohol or not.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not fully known to medical science

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Phenylalanine breaks into tyrosine aminoacid so you increasing one step of conversion by the switch.

Although there are minor number of studies with very few subjects done that suggest to replace tyrosine to L-phenylalanine and UVA exposure for re pigmentation of the vitiligenous patches on the skin, they were not confirmed by many.

It may be good for depression. Also we do not know interactions of Phenylalanine with alcohol and any other supplements.

Any decision regarding your switch from Tyrosine to PA would have to be done only under the direct supervision of your treating doctor.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli

Follow up: Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (4 hours later)

Hello,
So more is known about tyrosine supplement than with Phenylalanine? As I understand that tyrosine can be taken with 5htp and alcohol. Is it the tyrosine in Phenylalanine that is good for vitiligo? And if so, taking tyrosine would be just as good?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thereotically yes

Detailed Answer:
Yes tyrosine should be good for vitiligo.

The studies had good results with PA with UVA exposure as well.

I am not a happy doctor prescribing any other supplements unless proven a deficiency.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli

Follow up: Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (8 minutes later)

Hello,
I take up to 500mg in the morning with coffee as it helps me to stay facoused. It might help vitiligo? It is safer than phenylalanine?

Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can take Tyrosine

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I would not say which is safer. Since there were no studies with PA, I would suggest to continue with Tyrosine. Coffee and Tyrosine should go at least one hour a part.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli