The Effect Of Low Phenylalanıne Dıet On Blood Phenylalanıne Levels Of Chıldren Wıth Phenylketonurıa

Abstract

Prevalence of phenylketonuria (PKU) is much highe r in Turkey th onother countries. According to a screening test among 21.000 children, the prevalence of PKU was found 1 : 2625 and that of hyperphenylalaninemia 1 : 5200. Although this is a very important problem, no special low phenylalanine food is produced and marketed in Turkey. The objective of this research is to develop low phenylalanine foods and to s tudy the effect of these foods on blood phenylalanine level of PKU children and to evaluate the acceptance of the children. Twenty two special low phenylalanine food recipes were developed. Ten children with PKU were fed with a diet containing these foods in addition to PKU- formula for ten days. Blood levels of phenylalanine were measured at the beginning and at the end of the diet period. A.t the same time the acceptance of these foods by the children was surveyed through interviewing the family. The result of the study indicated tha t the blood level of phenylalanine can be controlled arid the children may be satisfied at the same time