PKU

[Dawn-Conor]

  I work in the helping field with disabled , behavioural individuals. Is there a special diet that you are to feed people with the disease of PKU ? I have been told to limit their protein intake. Is this true ?  Why ?  The individual I support likes to eat all the time and keeps having numerous bowel movements on a daily basis. Food goes right through him but he continues to want to eat 3-4 plate fulls every meal.
  Please give me some info on this important subject !
Dear Steve:
Yes, there is a special diet for those with PKU.  The diet limits the amount of a certain amino acid (found in protein) in the diet.  It is very important that people with this disorder limit the amount of phenylalanine in their diet.  If there is too much, the person will develop mental retardation.  The diet must be maintained strictly, most people think that it should be done for life.  There are others that think that once the brain is fully developed that one can somewhat limit the diet.  But nevertheless, I would make sure the person you are talking about maintains a strict diet off protein that contains phenylalanine.  If it is a she, then there are special food during pregnancy that should be eaten.  Thanks for asking about this important subject.  If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely
CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS