Meal Plan for Phenylketonuria (PKU) - Adult


Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare inherited condition in which there is a build up of the amino acid phenylalanine in the body. PKU is tested for at birth of newborns by measuring phenylalanine levels in the heel-prick blood test. High levels of phenylalanine are toxic to the brain, and will affect brain development, and the PKU sufferer will develop learning and behavioural difficulties.

For the full principles of a PKU diet see the meal plan for PKU – child.

PKU is completely treatable by diet during childhood. It was previously believed that after around the age of 20 years old, as the brain is fully developed, the individual could then explore a more varied and 'normal' diet, without being so strict. However recent research indicated that adults who go back onto a full PKU diet had improved memory, concentration and work output, than when they were eating a 'normal' diet. Therefore it's now recommended that the PKU diet is for life, although as an adult you need not be quite as strict.

Adults with PKU who were not diagnosed or treated as a child will have significant learning and behavioural problems, and will need full time care. It is important that these adults follow a full PKU diet similar to a PKU child with appropriate protein exchanges, protein substitute amounts and enough food to meet other nutritional and energy requirements. Behaviour of these adults on a PKU diet is much improved compared to when they eat protein foods.

The following meal plan is a suitable healthy diet for an adult with treated PKU. It is a guide to the sort of foods which should be eaten, and can be more relaxed than they were following whilst a child. Consult your doctor before commencing such a regimen, as it may be required for blood levels of phenylalanine to be monitored regularly. Follow the principles outlined here and your doctor or dietitian will advise on a suitable protein substitute. Adjust 50mg protein exchanges according to your phenylalanine levels. Ensure that you eat sufficient food for any physical activities you do, so take advantage of specially formulated low protein products, like bread, flour, biscuits and pasta. Use the plan to give you an idea of what are healthy nutritious foods to include for a balanced diet and for structure, but don't forget to vary your food choices and to drink plenty of water through the day.

Breakfast
Breakfast cereal as per exchanges + skimmed milk as per exchanges + sugar
and/or 1-4 slices low protein bread + butter + jam, honey or Marmite
Large glass fresh fruit juice
Black tea/coffee
Protein substitute as prescribed
Mid-morning
Low protein biscuits
Item fruit
Black tea/coffee
Lunch
Sandwich: Low protein bread + butter + jam, honey or Marmite
Vegetable soup (check ingredients)
Home-made cake made with low protein flour
Fruit cordial drink
Protein substitute as prescribed
Mid-afternoon
Low protein biscuits
Item fruit
Black tea/coffee
Evening Meal
Beans as per exchanges
Potatoes or rice as per exchanges or low protein pasta
Vegetables or salad
Fruit salad (check ingredients)
Protein substitute as prescribed
Drink
Evening
Home-made cake made with low protein flour
Item fruit
Fruit cordial drink
Plans for people with illness or medical conditions in no way should override advice provided specifically for you by your doctor, clinical dietitian or other clinician. We advise that you seek the advice of a suitably qualified physician before commencing any exercise regime, following any dietary or nutritional regimen or beginning the use of any dietary supplements, legal or otherwise. The information provided on the Website is intended as information only and does not constitute advice. Therefore, it must not be relied on to assist in making or refraining from making a decision, or to assist in deciding on a course of action.