How does phenylketonuria affect everyday life?

How does phenylketonuria affect everyday life?

Untreated PKU can lead to: Irreversible brain damage and marked intellectual disability beginning within the first few months of life. Neurological problems such as seizures and tremors. Behavioral, emotional and social problems in older children and adults.

Who does phenylketonuria affect?

Affected Populations The reported incidence of PKU from newborn screening programs ranges from one in 13,500 to 19,000 newborns in the United States. PKU affects people from most ethnic backgrounds, although it is rare in Americans of African descent and Jews of Ashkenazi ancestry.

How does phenylketonuria affect physical development?

If PKU in a child is not diagnosed and treated, phenylalanine will build up in the bloodstream until it reaches levels that can cause brain damage. It can also cause permanent damage to organs and tissues around the body. PKU can lead to: Developmental delays.

How does phenylalanine cause brain damage?

The high plasma phenylalanine concentrations increase phenylalanine entry into brain and restrict the entry of other large neutral amino acids. In the literature, emphasis has been on high brain phenylalanine as the pathological substrate that causes mental retardation.

What is the life expectancy of a person with phenylketonuria?

PKU does not shorten life expectancy, with or without treatment. Newborn screening for PKU is required in all 50 states. PKU is usually identified by newborn screening. A child’s outlook is very good if she strictly follows the diet.

What happens if you have too much phenylalanine?

Nutrition and healthy eating Phenylalanine can cause intellectual disabilities, brain damage, seizures and other problems in people with PKU . Phenylalanine occurs naturally in many protein-rich foods, such as milk, eggs and meat. Phenylalanine is also sold as a dietary supplement.

How does phenylketonuria affect the body?

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a treatable disorder that affects the way the body processes protein. Children with PKU cannot use a part of the protein called phenylalanine. If left untreated, phenylalanine builds up in the bloodstream and causes brain damage.

What does L phenylalanine do for the body?

Phenylalanine is used for depression, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and a skin disease called vitiligo. Some people apply it directly to the skin for vitiligo.

Does Coca Cola contain phenylalanine?

Diet Coke, of course, is not exactly considered to be a protein-rich food. However, it does contain aspartame, which is an artificial sweeter composed of two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine. It thus poses as a severe health concern to phenylketonurics, or individuals afflicted with phenylketonuria.

Does chocolate contain 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.

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 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.

What can a PKU person eat?

The diet for PKU consists of a phenylalanine-free medical formula and carefully measured amounts of fruits, vegetables, bread, pasta, and cereals. Many people who follow a low phenylalanine (phe) food pattern eat special low protein breads and pastas.

Can a woman with PKU have a normal child?

How is maternal PKU treated in pregnancy? The good news is that most pregnant women who have PKU can have healthy babies if they follow their PKU meal plan. This is a special meal plan that is low in phenylalanine.

Do children outgrow PKU?

There currently is no cure for PKU, but the condition is controllable through proper diet and supplements. What kinds of diets do children with PKU need to adopt? PKU is caused by the body’s inability to metabolize phenylalanine, which is found in high protein foods such as poultry, meat, eggs and dairy products.

What is the long term outlook for a child with PKU?

The long-term outlook for people with PKU is very good if they follow a PKU meal plan closely and shortly after birth. When diagnosis and treatment are delayed, brain damage may occur. This can lead to intellectual disabilities by the child’s first year of life.