There is no cure for Phenylketonuria (PKU). The most important treatment is a diet that limits foods with phenylalanine. This means the diet must be low in protein.
What is Phenylketonuria?
- Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare genetic condition where babies are born unable to break down an amino acid called phenylalanine. This causes phenylalanine to build up.
- When phenylalanine levels get too high, it can damage the brain. This can lead to intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What is the treatment for PKU?
- Phenylalanine is found in foods that contain protein. PKU is manageable, mostly through your diet. The key to living with PKU successfully is finding it early.
- New-borns diagnosed with the disease must use special infant formula. This can be mixed with small amounts of breast milk or regular formula. It’s a delicate balance. The baby does need some phenylalanine for normal development.
- People with PKU must also avoid food products that contain aspartame, as it's converted into phenylalanine in the body.
- A child with phenylketonuria will need regular blood tests to measure levels of phenylalanine in their blood and assess how well they're responding to treatment.
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