Management
Guidelines
Portal
PKU Nutrition Management Guidelines
Second Edition
March 2022, v.2.5
Updated: June 2022
Feedback/Comments :: View Release Notes
Send us your Feedback & Comments
Biochemical Pathway and Nutrition Treatment Rationale
Biochemical Pathway Figure

Exogenous (dietary) PHE is an essential amino acid necessary for protein synthesis and is also used as an endogenous alternative energy source during muscle protein catabolism. The initial step in PHE catabolism is an irreversible hydroxylation step to form L-TYR.

TYR, whether derived from PHE or from the diet, is used in anabolic processes (protein synthesis), as a precursor for synthesis of the neurotransmitter dopamine, and of melanin, or is catabolized for energy. In PKU, TYR becomes a conditionally essential amino acid.

Figure 2: PHE Catabolism by PAH

Nutrition Treatment Rationale

Goals of medical nutrition therapy in PKU are to reduce and maintain blood PHE between 120-360 µmol/L throughout the lifespan; maintain blood TYR in the normal range; and promote normal growth, development, health maintenance, and optimal nutritional status.

© 2006-2015   —   SOUTHEAST REGIONAL GENETICS NETWORK   —   A HRSA SUPPORTED PARTNERSHIP   —   GRANT #UH7MC30772