Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited condition that deprives the body of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxlase. Without this enzyme, the body cannot process phenylalanine (PHE), an important amino acid. Not only does this deprive patients of important nutrition, but the unprocessed enzyme can build up, causing seizures, growth problems, and other dangerous complications. To make matters worse, PKU affects patients at birth, and although there is a screening process to help physicians catch the disease before it does serious damage, PKU is rare enough that most parents have no idea how to handle their child’s condition. Dealing with PKU is never easy, but parents of children with PKU are often caught by surprise and must not only cope with the rigors of bringing home a newborn, but also the confusion of treating PKU.
PKU Diet
One of the most daunting aspects of treating PKU is the new diet. Children and adults with PKU have to avoid phenylalanine to prevent toxic build-ups of PHE. This means most sources of protein are off the menu. Only certain fruits, vegetables, and limited grains and cereals are allowed. In order to get their necessary protein, patients with PKU are usually prescribed special nutritional products specifically designed to fill the nutritional gaps left by the strict PKU diet.
It’s important to work with your doctor from the moment a diagnosis is made. Metabolic specialists can help patients live full, healthy lives. Special nutritional products to provide protein and essential elements lacking from a PKU diet require your doctor’s permission to purchase, and your doctor can help you determine which of the many formulas on the market is the best option for your specific condition. Infants will need special formulas to replace regular infant formula, but once they reach one year, they can graduate to PhenylAde and PhenylAde60, both of which are approved for toddlers, children, teens, and adults.
Tasty Changes
A dietary adjustment is always worrying, especially when you have to monitor what you eat so carefully, but you can trust that PhenylAde is one of the most recommended dietary supplements for PKU on the market. Your doctor will be able to determine if PhenylAde is the best choice for you or your child, but it’s well worth the change. Many previous PhenylAde users have mastered the art of mixing flavorful shakes with PhenylAde to improve their dietary lifestyle. PhenylAde comes in several flavors that lend themselves well to tasty mixes, and your regular dose can become a treat with a little creativity.
Living with Phenylketonuria is frustrating, and changing critical elements in your diet can be nerve wracking. For many, though, the benefits of adding PhenylAde to their diet outweigh those fears. Many PhenylAde users have learned to take a great product and turn it into a variety of tasty shakes. There is no cure yet for PKU, but that doesn’t mean you have to eat tasteless foods. You can eat safe and eat well at the same time. Always check with your doctor before making any changes to your PKU diet.