Can PKU patients breastfeed?
In the early 1980s, with the determination of low concentration of Phe in breast milk, breast milk supplemented with Phe-free formula has become an acceptable dietary treatment for infants with PKU. Today, breastfeeding is encouraged and well established in PKU patients.
Why should you not breastfeed if you have PKU?
If the baby does not have PKU, their liver is able to breakdown phenylalanine, so the phe content of breastmilk is not a concern. However, if the Mom’s phe levels were high before the baby was born, and the baby’s brain has been affected, the baby may not be able to suckle well enough to get enough milk for growth.
Is phenylalanine safe while breastfeeding?
The developing baby is very sensitive to phenylalanine in the diet. Levels of phenylalanine in human milk were found to be lower than in any formula on the market. However, mothers with milk supply problems may still benefit their child with a partial breastfeeding regimen.
What are the effects of PKU in infants and children?
Some babies with PKU may seem more drowsy and listless than normal. They may have feeding problems. As they continue to take in protein and phenylalanine through their diets, they may have growth, mood, behavior, and thinking problems, as well as other problems.
What is PKU and how is it caused?
PKU is caused by a defect in the gene that helps create the enzyme needed to break down phenylalanine. Without the enzyme necessary to process phenylalanine, a dangerous buildup can develop when a person with PKU eats foods that contain protein or eats aspartame, an artificial sweetener.
How common is PKU in infants?
Amino acids help build protein in your body. Without treatment, phenylalanine builds up in the blood and causes health problems. In the United States, about 1 in 10,000 to 15,000 babies is born with PKU each year.
How does PKU affect pregnancy?
It is well known that women with poorly controlled PKU during a pregnancy put their baby at risk for delayed developmental, mental retardation, poor head growth (microcephaly), poor overall growth, heart defects, and other structural birth defects.
What are the chances of having a baby with PKU?
When both parents are carriers of the faulty PKU gene, their child will be born with PKU if they receive one copy of the faulty gene from each parent. When both parents are carriers, the possibilities in each pregnancy are: 1 in 4 chance of having an affected child. 2 in 4 chance of having a child that is a carrier.
Can breastfeeding moms drink Coke Zero?
Artificial sweeteners during breastfeeding It’s not a good idea to diet when you are breastfeeding. Still, it’s fine to have a diet drink or artificially sweetened foods now and then. Just be sure they don’t take the place of the nutrient-rich foods you need when breastfeeding.
What happens if a baby has PKU?
A baby born to a woman who has PKU that is not controlled with a special diet is at high risk for serious problems. The developing baby in the uterus can be exposed to very high levels of phenylalanine. This can cause low birth weight, slow growth, small head, behavior problems, and heart disorders.
When should a baby be tested for PKU?
In the United States, all newborn babies should be screened for PKU routinely within the first week of life. Infants must have had a protein meal before being tested for PKU. A very small amount of blood is taken by pricking the baby’s heel.
What is PKU disorder?
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder, in which the body is not able to break down a type of protein called phenylalanine .
What is PKU in infants?
PKU is a genetic disorder that prevents the normal breakdown of a protein found in some foods. PKU is a genetic disorder that occurs when a baby has two faulty copies of the PKU gene. A baby with PKU will need to be on a special milk formula.
Are breastfed infants in ketosis?
Exclusively breastfed babies are in a state of mild ketosis. Despite this, experts agree breastmilk is the best food for babies and has been associated with various health benefits.