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AMINO ACID

Phenylalanine

What it is

An essential amino acid in all protein — it only shows up on a label, with a warning, because the product contains aspartame.

Why your biology objects

Harmless and necessary for almost everyone; the "Phenylketonurics: Contains Phenylalanine" warning is for the ~1-in-10,000 born with PKU who can't metabolise it. Read it as a flag that the real molecule to weigh is the aspartame it points to, not the amino acid itself.

Would your ancestors eat this?

Point your camera at any label and get the verdict in seconds. Coming to the App Store.

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