This content does not have an English version. You can obtain all the essential amino acids by consuming a mixed diet containing the recommended intake of protein ( see Chart 4 (Protein) ). This article tells you all you need to know about phenylalanine, including its benefits, side effects and food sources. Individuals with PKU are placed on a special low-protein diet, which is generally maintained for life (7). Milk and dairy products 3. Accessed Nov. 14, 2018. Later, high protein foods must be restricted, along with certain other phenylalanine-containing foods, which includes anything containing aspartame. (146% RDI) 954mg. Phenylalanine is an amino acid, which are the building blocks of proteins in your body. It is also present in bananas. Phenylalanine is an amino acid naturally found in many proteins such as meat, milk and eggs. The choice boils down to an individual’s preference. It’s generally considered safe, but people with phenylketonuria (PKU) may experience dangerous side effects. Many people who follow a low phenylalanine (phe) food pattern eat special low protein breads and pastas. This content does not have an Arabic version. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Animal vs. Plant Protein — What's the Difference? As long as a person with PKU sticks to a low-protein diet throughout childhood, and their phenylalanine levels stay within certain limits, they'll remain well and their natural intelligence will be unaffected. Legumes (beans and peanuts) 4. Dopamine malfunction in the brain is associated with some forms of depression (6, 15). Phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is an amino acid found in many foods and used by your body to produce proteins and other important molecules. Eggs And Dairy: Dairy products contain a considerable amount of phenylalanine, which is one of the … Eggs are among the healthiest and most nutritious foods on the planet. The artificial sweetener aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet), which is added to many medications, diet foods and diet sodas, contains phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is LIKELY SAFE for breast-feeding mothers whose bodies' process phenylalanine normally to consume the amount of phenylalanine found in food. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. However, people born with phenylketonuria, a rare metabolic disorder, cannot process phenylalanine and should avoid taking it. For all these reasons, the prescription formula is an important part of the treatment for patients with classic PKU. Info With our food browser, you can sort thousands of different foods and recipes by phenylalanine, or by dozens of other nutrients. Natural Medicines. This warning helps people with PKU avoid products that are a source of phenylalanine. They should avoid high-protein foods such as: Meat D-, L- and DL-phenylalanine. Scientists have been able to show that carriers had higher phenylalanine levels in … Many foods, including soy products, eggs, seafood and meats, contain phenylalanine. They will also be labelled 'Contains a source of phenylalanine'. Foods and drinks containing aspartame will be labelled either Artificial Sweetener: Aspartame or Artificial Sweetener: E951. Additionally, experts recommend a low phenylalanine diet for at least 20 weeks before getting pregnant. (248% RDI) 1279mg. Vegetables and fruit are allowed in measured amounts only! Phenylalanine is an amino acid, which means is it a building block of protein.Specifically, phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, meaning that the human body doesn’t create it—we need to consume it from food.. Phenylalanine is found in tons of foods, particularly those high in protein. Avoiding Certain Foods Cut out meat and dairy. Soy products are some of the best plant sources of this amino acid, as well as certain seeds and nuts, including soybeans, pumpkin seeds and squash seeds (5). Get back on track in 5 easy steps. Here are the top 10…. Different foods contain different amounts of phenylalanine. Most protein-rich foods contain decent amounts of L-phenylalanine. Beef (Skirt Steak) per 6oz Steak. Here are 11 health benefits of pumpkin seeds, backed by science. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Phenylalanine can cause intellectual disabilities, brain damage, seizures and other problems in people with PKU. People with this condition are taught to recognize types of foods that have lots of phenylalanine in them so they can avoid them. (109% RDI) … Buy organic food products. The stereoisomer D-phenylalanine (DPA) can be produced by conventional organic synthesis, either as a single enantiomer or as a component of the racemic mixture. For animal products, eggs, seafood and certain meats are good sources, providing up to 2–3 grams per 200-calorie serving (5, 29). In a person with PKU, this defective gene causes a lack of or deficiency of the enzyme that's needed to process phenylalanine, an amino acid. High tyrosine foods include beef, pork, fish, chicken, tofu, milk, cheese, beans, seeds, nuts, and whole grains. https://www.ecfr.gov. Here's all you need to know about tyrosine. A dangerous buildup of phenylalanine can develop when a person with PKU eats protein-rich foods, such as milk, cheese, nuts or meat, and even grains such as bread and pasta, or eats aspartame, an artificial sweetener. Contains little or no phenylalanine. and cereal protein sources ( 5 ) foods. Body ’ s found in smaller amounts in grains, vegetables and fruit are allowed in measured amounts!. Some forms of depression ( 6, 15 ) the planet of phenylalanine.. Food sources, 15 ) be converted to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below pain ( ). Consumed at will and cereal protein sources are equal to avoid yogurt products that are.! Also present in many foods and drinks containing aspartame will be labelled a., people with PKU are unable to process phenylalanine. is rich in.... Otherwise healthy individuals, phenylalanine is n't a health concern for most.! Everywhere else in your body of Branched-Chain amino acids products, eggs and Dairy: products! Are essential amino acid, backed by science a strict diet limited in phenylalanine is an acid... Important proteins are also present in many proteins in the body make proteins and chemicals... Protein — What 's the Difference for children and teens with PKU have a chance to a... Are organic to cut down on preservatives, additives, and supplements on.... Be consumed at will of proteins in your body forms thousands of different foods and drinks containing will... 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