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Phenylketonuria - Supplements
Early diagnosis is key to treating PKU, a rare genetic disorder that results in an amino acid imbalance in the body. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
- Fight back with fish oil
Take a daily supplement containing 500 mg for every 8.8 pounds of body weight to prevent deficiencies caused by the PKU diet
- Seek support from supplements
Prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies caused by the PKU diet by taking supplements that provide the daily value of L-tyrosine, vitamin K, vitamin B12, and selenium
- Discover branched-chain amino acids
Under a healthcare provider’s supervision, improve mental functioning by adding amino acid supplements to each meal and at bedtime; take 150 mg per 2.2 pounds (1 kg) of body weight each of valine and isoleucine, and 200 mg per 2.2 pounds (1 kg) of body weight of leucine
- Monitor amino acids in your diet
Work with your healthcare provider and a nutritionist to maintain a phenylalanine-restricted diet that is nutritionally adequate
- Pass up aspartame
Help prevent increased phenylalanine intake by steering clear of soft drinks, candy, and other foods and drinks sweetened with aspartame (Nutrasweet)
Also indexed as:
- phenylketonuria,
- phenylketonuria (PKU),
- PKU
About this treatment
What Are "Star" Ratings?
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Branched-Chain Amino Acids | Take under medical supervision: 150 mg daily per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight each of valine and isoleucine, and 200 mg daily per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight of leucine | Regular use of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) may improve mental functioning. |
| ||
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Fish Oil (PUFA Deficiency) | 125 mg of oil or 15 mg of docosahexaenoic acid per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight daily | The PKU diet is low in fatty acids, some of which are essential for proper brain development. Supplementing with fish oil may improve the deficiency. |
| ||
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
L-Tyrosine (L-Tyrosine Deficiency) | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | Supplementing with L-Tyrosine may help prevent a deficiency caused by the PKU diet and improve behavoir. |
| ||
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Selenium (Selenium Deficiency) | Adolescents and adults: 55 mcg daily; for infants and children: 15 to 40 mcg daily, according to age | Selenium deficiency may develop on the PKU diet, and supplementation may help correct this. |
| ||
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Vitamin B12 (Vitamin B12 Deficiency) | Refer to label instructions | Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in foods of animal origin, which are restricted on the PKU diet. Supplementing with vitamin B12 may correct a deficiency. |
| ||
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Vitamin K (Vitamin K Deficiency) | Refer to label instructions | People with PKU may be deficient in vitamin K, due to the restricted PKU diet. Supplementing with vitamin K may correct a deficiency. |
| ||
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
Learn more about Aisle7, the company.
The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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