What foods should be avoided with PKU?
Protein-rich foods are a major source of phenylalanine, so avoiding them is an important part of the PKU diet.
Food items that should be avoided or taken in moderation are:
- Milk and cheese.
- Eggs.
- Peas.
- Nuts.
- Soybean.
- Chicken, beef, and pork.
- Beans.
- Foods and drinks that contain artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame.
How do PKU patients get protein? Today, the major source of dietary protein for those with PKU consists of mixtures of synthetic AA devoid of phe and a small amount of dietary protein from fruits and vegetables to provide phe.
What is the simplified diet for PKU? The Simplified Diet is an approach to PKU nutrition management that allows certain fruits, vegetables, and low-protein foods to be eaten without measuring or tracking, referred to as free/uncounted foods.
What foods is PKU found in? Phenylalanine is found in most protein-containing foods such as milk, eggs, cheese, nuts, soybeans, chicken, beef, pork, beans and fish.
What foods should be avoided with PKU? – Additional Questions
Can PKU eat rice?
Individuals with PKU cannot drink regular milk, eat regular cheese, pasta, bread, biscuits or rice. Some examples of the costs involved for common low protein foods are: $15.75 for a 400g tin of milk replacer.
Can people with PKU eat potatoes?
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.
What foods have a lot of phenylalanine?
Foods high in phenylalanine
- Meat: beef, pork, lamb, venison.
- Poultry: chicken, turkey, duck, goose.
- Seafood: salmon, trout, tuna, mackerel, shrimp, lobster.
- Eggs: whole eggs, egg whites.
- Dairy: milk, cheese, yogurt.
- Nuts: almonds, pistachios, macadamia nuts, cashews, walnuts.
Why is phenylalanine in Coke?
This neurotransmitter enhances mental alertness and memory and improves mood. It also suppresses appetite, which is probably the reason for the mention of Phenylalanine on food labels – an indication that it might be used as a ‘dietary aid’.
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.
Does chocolate have phenylalanine?
Chocolate contains an amino acid, phenylalanine, which is involved in making dopamine, a neurotransmitter that can regulate mood. It stimulates your metabolism and nervous system, which could be why some people turn to chocolate when feeling low.
Does coffee have phenylalanine?
Although the 3 main amino acids listed above are contained in coffee, there are small amounts of threonine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, cysteine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, valine, arginine, histidine, alanine, proline and serine.
What is the survival rate of PKU?
The overall mortality of adult PKU patients in 2015 was 2.4% (n = 9) versus 1.3% (n = 43) in the matched controls. The difference between the two cohorts was not statistically significant (PR 1.9; 95% CI 0.93–3.79). All deceased patients were late-diagnosed PKU patients; no early-diagnosed PKU patients died in 2015.
Do potatoes have phenylalanine?
Potatoes are an exception (see Phenylalanine allocation in the diet section). Also, cooked crisps (snacks) made from vegetables such as beetroot or parsnips are concentrated in phenylalanine and should be calculated/measured in the daily phenylalanine allowance.
Can you drink alcohol with PKU?
Drinking and Having PKU
High blood phe levels + alcohol dramatically increases these effects. “It doesn’t take much”. Even one drink together with high blood phe levels can significantly impair your thinking. Beer and wine contain phenylalanine.
Can you develop PKU later in life?
Although it is principally a childhood disorder, in rare cases, the first signs of PKU may develop in late adulthood resembling common neurological diseases.
How do you gain weight with PKU?
Eating larger portions of special low protein foods (e.g. our Loprofin food range) can help you gain weight without increasing your blood Phe levels.
Are people with PKU fat?
Based on data from the U.S., 40% of pediatric PKU patients were overweight or obese. However, the percentage of overweight females (55%) and obese females (33%) is 1.8× and 2.1× higher respectively than expected based on comparison data from U.S. children.
What happens if someone with PKU eat protein?
Without the enzyme necessary to break down phenylalanine, a dangerous buildup can develop when a person with PKU eats foods that contain protein or eats aspartame, an artificial sweetener. This can eventually lead to serious health problems.
What foods can a child with PKU eat?
A child with PKU should not eat milk, fish, cheese, nuts, beans, or meat. A child with PKU can eat many foods low in protein, such as vegetables, fruits, and some cereals. Your child may also need to take mineral and vitamin supplements to make up for nutrients missing from the diet.
Can someone with PKU live a normal life?
If PKU is confirmed, treatment will be given straight away to reduce the risk of serious complications. Treatment includes a special diet and regular blood tests. With early diagnosis and the correct treatment, most children with PKU are able to live healthy lives.
How long is the average lifespan of a person with PKU?
Without treatment, PKU can cause intellectual disabilities. PKU does not shorten life expectancy, with or without treatment. Newborn screening for PKU is required in all 50 states.
