Food Database

Search through common Norwegian foods to find their protein, phenylalanine content, and exchange values.

What is Phenylketonuria (PKU)?

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder that affects approximately 1 in 10,000 to 15,000 newborns. People with PKU have a deficiency in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), which is responsible for breaking down the amino acid phenylalanine into tyrosine.

Without sufficient PAH enzyme activity, phenylalanine accumulates in the blood and can cause serious health problems, including intellectual disability, seizures, behavioral problems, and other neurological issues if left untreated.

In most countries, PKU is part of the newborn screening program, allowing for early detection and treatment. With proper diet management and treatment, individuals with PKU can lead normal, healthy lives.

Understanding Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, which means it must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot produce it. It is found in most protein-rich foods and many artificial sweeteners (such as aspartame).

For individuals without PKU, phenylalanine is an important building block for proteins and is converted to tyrosine, which is used to make several important substances including:

• Neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine)
• Thyroid hormones
• Melanin (the pigment that gives color to skin, hair, and eyes)

However, for those with PKU, phenylalanine cannot be properly processed and accumulates to harmful levels if not strictly controlled.

PKU Diet Management

The primary treatment for PKU is a low-phenylalanine diet, which must be followed for life. This diet restricts natural protein intake from food while providing all necessary nutrients through a phenylalanine-free medical formula.

The PKU diet generally involves:

• Avoiding high-protein foods such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, and legumes
• Strictly limiting moderate-protein foods like grains and some vegetables
• Consuming specially designed low-protein foods (e.g., low-protein bread, pasta)
• Taking a special medical formula or supplement that provides protein without phenylalanine
• Carefully measuring and tracking phenylalanine intake

The exact amount of phenylalanine a person with PKU can tolerate varies from individual to individual. Blood phenylalanine levels are regularly monitored to ensure they stay within a safe range.

Maintaining a low-phenylalanine diet is challenging but essential for preventing the neurological damage associated with PKU.

Using the Phenylalanine Calculator

This calculator is designed to help individuals with PKU and their caregivers calculate the phenylalanine content of foods based on their protein content. It uses the principles from the Norwegian food list for PKU diet management.

The calculator provides two key pieces of information:

• Phenylalanine Content (mg per 100g food): This tells you how much phenylalanine is in 100 grams of the food.
• Food Exchange Value (g per 25 mg Phe): This tells you how many grams of the food would provide 25 mg of phenylalanine. This is useful for meal planning when you have a specific phenylalanine allowance.

Remember that this calculator provides estimates based on average values. Individual foods may vary in their exact phenylalanine content due to factors like variety, growing conditions, and processing methods.

Always consult with your healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized PKU diet management guidance.