Patient's question:
My sister is 5 years old. She was diagnosed with this condition at the age of 3. She has yellow hair, delayed intellectual development, and walks late. She cannot speak and only utters monosyllabic words like "Mom" and "Dad." Due to poor family circumstances, she did not receive treatment, but she wants to control and treat it on her own. Please advise on how to plan her diet.Doctor's answer:
The patient lacks phenylalanine hydroxylase in their body, which prevents phenylalanine from being converted normally. Instead, it is converted into phenylpyruvate and excreted through urine and sweat, emitting an abnormal odor, hence the condition is known as phenylketonuria.Advice: Foods suitable for phenylketonuria patients are all low-protein foods, including vegetables (except for beans) and fruits, while meats and beans contain high levels of phenylalanine.