How is PKU treated?
There is no cure for PKU. However, people with PKU manage their Phe levels and their symptoms in a few ways:
PKU medical food:
Many people with PKU take a special nutritional supplement to make sure they get enough essential protein (without phenylalanine) and nutrients that are crucial for health. This also includes foods that are specially formulated and processed to be low in protein.
Strict low-protein diet:
Phenylalanine enters the body mainly through the protein we eat, as well as through aspartame, an artificial sweetener. People with PKU adhere to a strict low-protein and aspartame-restricted diet to limit their intake of phenylalanine and help keep their Phe levels low.
Medications:
There are drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of PKU. Some are used in combination with a PKU diet. These drugs may or may not work for everyone and can include serious side effects.