Patient's question:
The grandmother of my neighbor's grandson has phenylketonuria for over two years. Over the years, she has been treated with medication, and her condition has been improving and worsening. The grandmother is very interested in this disease and, knowing that I am a nursing student, came to ask me what her grandson should eat. I have just started my studies and don't fully understand it, so I wanted to help her ask: what should someone with this condition eat?Doctor's answer:
This condition involves being unable to consume foods high in phenylalanine, such as fresh milk, eggs, animal liver, lean meat, etc. It is also necessary to control sugar intake and limit breastfeeding, as it should not exceed 250 grams per day. Additionally, you can eat more snacks and supplementary foods like mashed vegetables, lotus root powder, and vegetable water. The low-phenylalanine diet is the only treatment method currently available for this condition. The purpose of this approach is to prevent brain damage, so parents must strictly adhere to and tolerate it.