What Is Phenylketonuria?
9. What Is the PKU Diet?
The primary form of treatment for PKU is dietary. For those with the condition, it is necessary to severely limit high-protein foods such as meat, milk, cheese, eggs, nuts, beans and legumes. It may also be necessary to limit consumption of vegetables that contain higher levels of protein, such as potatoes.
Doctors often recommend consuming just enough protein to support normal growth and health. However, consumption of a specialized formula is often necessary for infants, children and adults, especially those with classic PKU. The dietary needs of any one person depend on multiple factors and can vary over a lifetime, making ongoing care and evaluation necessary.
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