What is phenylketonuria diet?

What is phenylketonuria diet?

Diet. The main treatment for PKU is a low-protein diet that completely avoids high-protein foods (such as meat, eggs and dairy products) and controls the intake of many other foods, such as potatoes and cereals.

What foods should you avoid if you have PKU?

PKU diets typically do not contain high-protein foods such as:

• Meat, eggs, and fish.
• Bread, noodles, and wheat products.
• Nuts, peas, and beans (and products made from these foods).
• Milk and cheese.
• Chocolate.

What foods do not contain phenylalanine?

Foods such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, nuts and pulses are excluded as they contain high levels of phenylalanine. Vegetables and fruit are allowed in measured amounts only! Special low protein bread, pasta, biscuits and flour are used to supplement the diet and ensure adequate calorie intake.

Can adults with PKU eat protein?

People with PKU must avoid foods that are high in protein like meat, fish, poultry, dairy, soy, legumes (dried beans) or nuts. Some fruits and vegetables are higher in protein than others. PHE is in almost everything except sugar, salt, oil, and water.

What are the side effects of phenylalanine?

Side effects may include:

• Heartburn.
• Fatigue.
• Nausea.
• Constipation.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Anxiety and hypomania (a milder form of mania)
• Sedation.

What happens when someone with PKU eat protein?

A dangerous buildup of phenylalanine can develop when a person with PKU eats protein-rich foods, such as milk, cheese, nuts or meat, and even grains such as bread and pasta, or eats aspartame, an artificial sweetener. This buildup of phenylalanine results in damage to nerve cells in the brain.

Can you eat potatoes with PKU?

Vegetables: Starchy vegetables like white, sweet, purple potatoes (and fries), winter squash, corn, and peas should be eaten sparingly. Most other fresh or frozen vegetables are low in phenylalanine with the exception of the ones on the non-compliant list.

Do eggs contain phenylalanine?

Phenylalanine occurs naturally in many protein-rich foods, such as milk, eggs and meat. Phenylalanine is also sold as a dietary supplement.

What food has the most phenylalanine?

Phenylalanine is found in most protein-containing foods such as milk, eggs, cheese, nuts, soybeans, chicken, beef, pork, beans and fish.

Can someone with PKU build muscle?

However, regardless of whether or not an individual has PKU, the body can only use a certain amount. Eating more than the body can use will NOT build more muscle. The average healthy PKU adult taking an amino acid formula needs about 1 g protein per kg body weight per day.

Can people with PKU have any phe?

People affected by PKU have difficulty breaking down phenylalanine (Phe), an amino acid found in all natural protein.