What is the reason of PKU?

What is the reason of PKU?

PKU is caused by the buildup of phenylalanine in the body. Your body uses this amino acid to make other proteins. If you have PKU, your body can’t break down phenylalanine. If it is not treated, this buildup damages the brain and causes PKU symptoms.

How can PKU be managed without the need for medical drugs?

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 can PKU patients eat?

What to Eat

• Medical foods, shakes, powders designed for PKU.
• Most fruits and fruit juices.
• Most non-starchy vegetables (and juices)
• Low protein breads and pastas.
• Fats like olive oil, butter, margarine, coconut oil, ghee.
• Sweeteners like sugar (white or brown), honey, maple syrup, molasses.
• Small amounts of heavy cream.

Can you eat rice with PKU?

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.

What are the treatments for PKU?

Treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU) is primarily diet-based; however, some patients may benefit from the administration of large neutral amino acids (additional studies are needed).

Is PKU treatable?

PKU is a treatable disease. Treatment involves a diet that is very low in phenylalanine , particularly when the child is growing. The diet must be strictly followed. This requires close supervision by a registered dietitian or doctor, and cooperation of the parent and child.

Can patients with PKU have children?

With careful monitoring and control, women with PKU can give birth to healthy children. A woman with PKU can pass the PKU gene to her child, but the child will not develop PKU unless another copy of the gene is inherited from the father.

What are common symptoms of phenylketonuria (PKU)?

As a result, children with PKU often will have pale skin, blond hair and blue eyes. Dry skin; eczema; and a “musty” odor resulting from the buildup of phenylalanine in hair, skin and urine are also common. Other signs and symptoms may include irritability, muscle stiffness, seizures, a small head and short stature.