Use of Dietary Protein and Free Fruits and Vegetables to Improve Metabolic Control Among Teens and Adults With Phenylketonuria: A Mixed Methods Approach

This is a study to determine if a simplified protein counting system, including the free usage of fruits and vegetables low in phenylalanine, will improve the metabolic control in teens and adults with phenylketonuria (PKU).

Anybody with a positive diagnosis of PKU, between the ages of 13-65 years will be invited to participate in this study.

Subjects will be educated on the simplified system upon enrollment, and historical phenylalanine (Phe) levels will be used for comparison. Subjects will also be asked about their attitudes towards their current Phe counting system.

Upon enrollment, a 3-day food record and Phe levels over the past 12 months will be collected. Demographic information will be asked, as well as questions regarding their current Phe counting system. Patients will be educated on the new counting system, stressing 3 key principles: 1) free use of fruits and vegetables, low in protein, 2) protein counting as a simpler version of Phe counting, including reinforcement of label reading, and 3) daily use of PKU formula for enhanced nutrient and protein intake. Patients will be given written educational tools to reinforce this new method.

At the end of the 12 months, subjects will be asked to provide a 3-day food record, and questions will be asked about their attitudes toward the use of the new simplified system.