Bad Science
Far be it from me to claim that I am an expert in genetics, biochemistry, or anything else relating to biology. My background is in the natural sciences (physics/chemistry etc.) and mathematics. This doesn’t give me license to now dispense sound testimony on the inner workings of the human body, but it has given me the ability to do my own research before I weigh in on this controversial topic. I am not interested in biology or its subfields unless it concerns what I put in my body. That is how I came to know a little about the substance Phenylalanine. As a calorie conscious consumer I was curious to know why there was a specific notice on diet soft drinks about this substance. What is phenylalanine? Why is it in these drinks? What is the potential risk to myself and others? I approached this research question the same as I would any science related question: What credible sources of information on this substance exist? I have found many to include: the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and the American Diabetes Association. So what have I found? Suprise! 1) Phenylalanine is one of the essential amino acids the body cannot live without (in nature there are always exceptions to the rule), 2) the World Health Organization recommends a daily intake of 17mg per kg of body weight, and last, but not least, 3) Beef eaters beware!! Your digesting what is, according to some bloggers out there, a naturally occuring, but potentially harmful amino acid found in the very steak you love (as well as other protein sources)…..NOT! Other important things I’ve learned about this amino acid is that it is not actually contained in the drinks, but once consumed it is converted by the body, and the reason there is a label is because of a condition known as PKU, or Phenylketonuria. People with PKU cannot ingest phenylalanine because it can cause mental retardation, pigmentation issues and other health problems. I agree with many people that we should moderate what we eat and drink, but we must arm ourselves with the very best information to guard against misinformation. One site I read contradicted the American Diabetes Association (they specifically address phenylalanine being contained in medicines to help fight blood glucose level spikes) saying that phenylalanine was directly harmful to diabetics. Am I saying you should take what I’ve said here to the bank? Absolutely not. Do your own research and become an informed member of society. Information is power, do not allow yourself to become complacent about issues that potentially affect you.
