Phenylketonuria (PKU) Disease and Low-Protein Diet
Selen ŞenmanContent creator
A low-protein diet may be a choice for individuals or a necessity in certain situations. The World Health Organization recommends a daily protein intake of generally 0.8–1 gram per kilogram of body weight for healthy individuals. However, in some cases, this recommendation cannot be followed due to certain disorders caused by protein, and a low-protein diet becomes a necessity rather than a choice. Phenylketonuria (PKU) disease is one such condition.
What is Phenylketonuria (PKU)?
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited amino acid metabolism disorder passed down through genes from both parents. This condition occurs due to the amino acid called phenylalanine in the body. Failure to convert phenylalanine into another amino acid called tyrosine results in its accumulation in the blood and specific tissues in the body, causing significant damage to the central nervous system. If left untreated in newborns, it leads to irreversible brain damage. Therefore, lifelong treatment is necessary to prevent neurological and physical impairment. Adhering to a low-protein diet with restricted phenylalanine intake is not just a personal choice but a crucial necessity for individuals with PKU. This dietary commitment is key to avoiding serious health problems from consuming protein-containing foods or artificial sweeteners like aspartame.Phenylketonuria (PKU) Diet
To treat phenylketonuria (PKU), a special diet that limits foods containing phenylalanine is used. These patients can be breastfed during infancy. When the baby grows enough to eat solid foods, they should follow a low-protein diet.Foods to Avoid for Phenylketonuria Patients
- •Meat and meat products (chicken, red meat, processed meats, fish, etc.)
- •Dairy and dairy products
- •Eggs
- •Nuts
- •Pasta, bread, pastries, bagels, crackers, biscuits
- •Beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas, soybeans, kidney beans
- •Beverages containing aspartame