Nutritional management of the female with phenylketonuria during pregnancy

Abstract

This paper discusses a rational approach to appropriate nutritional management of the pregnant woman with phenylketonuria (PKU). Special food items, including new formulas and low-phenylalanine products, as well as allowable natural foods are described. Particular emphasis is placed on the nutritional adequacy of this PKU diet during pregnancy. Such a diet should be palatable and tolerated well and should also take into consideration important economic, cultural, and psychological aspects. Clinics caring for PKU individuals should be so prepared because many of their females are approaching childbearing age.