Spring is a great time to get outside and plan some fun summer adventures. Following a low-protein diet and drinking PKU formula (or other metabolic formulas) should not stand in your way of making fun summer plans or enjoying the warm spring air. Whether you’re new to an active lifestyle or an experienced adventurer, […]
Low Pro Living Tips for Getting Active READ MORE
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder that affects the body’s ability to metabolize a specific amino acid called phenylalanine (PHE). People with PKU have a deficiency in the enzyme needed to break down phenylalanine, which leads to a buildup of this amino acid in the body. A buildup of PHE can be harmful,
The Importance of Following A PKU Diet In Adulthood READ MORE
Daily life with phenylketonuria (PKU), especially when not in metabolic control, can be a challenge, making the idea of returning to the PKU diet seem difficult or even impossible at times. However, with support, the right resources and your commitment, it will be easier to regain control of your health and get back on the
Embracing the PKU Diet: Taking Back Control READ MORE
Halloween is a fun time for kids who get to dress up in costumes, see spooky decorations, and get lots of yummy treats. However, if you eat a low-protein diet because of a special health condition, Halloween can be a bit tricky. In this blog post, we’ll share some helpful tips and fun ideas to
Navigating Halloween Fun: A Guide for Children on a Low Protein Diet READ MORE
Starting Your Baby on Solids Introducing solid foods to your baby presents a unique opportunity for your little one to explore new foods and tastes. From the yummy faces to the yucky faces, it’s a fun time for you to engage with your infant. These 3 short videos from our Metabolic Tips for Parents video
Metabolic Tips for Parents Video Series – Part 2 READ MORE
Reflections from a rising sophomore managing PKU and a busy schedule This time last year as James Fryer was beginning his first year of college at Willamette University, he knew he was heading into a big life transition. Some of the adjustments proved more stressful than he anticipated. “Always remembering, on my own, to have
Tips from college student on how to maintain a low protein diet while at school READ MORE
Starting at a new school is a time of excitement and nervousness for every child and his/her parents. As a parent of a child with a metabolic disorder, you might feel overwhelmed by the task of preparing your child to start school. However, with good planning and clear communication between your family, the school, and
Managing a Low Protein Diet at School READ MORE
Parents of children and children with PKU, MSUD and HCU share how they talk about their metabolic disorder Nutricia North America’s podcast – Caring for Rare – explores what life is like with a rare metabolic disorder such as phenylketonuria (PKU), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), and homocystinuria (HCU). Episodes feature families’ personal stories of
Caring for Rare Podcast: Season 1, Episode 5 READ MORE
Exploring new fruits and vegetables can add excitement and variety to a low protein diet. Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in protein and fit well into a low protein diet. Many of the fruits and vegetables we once considered exotic are now available at most grocery stores. Trying new foods opens the door
Exploring low protein exotic fruits and vegetables READ MORE
Parents of children with PKU, MSUD and HCU share their experiences with adapting to a special low protein diet Nutricia North America’s podcast – Caring for Rare – explores what life is like with a rare metabolic disorder such as phenylketonuria (PKU), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), and homocystinuria (HCU). Episodes feature families’ personal stories
Caring for Rare Podcast: Season 1, Episode 4 READ MORE
Written by Guest Blogger, Julia Orsi, Adult and Mom with PKU.
How to Have an Awesome Low Protein Holiday Meal READ MORE
Chef Natalie explains: “How many of you know what this is? If you don’t, it’s a jackfruit. Jackfruit is a relative of figs and breadfruit. It grows in the tropical areas of places like Asia, Brazil and Africa. It’s technically a fruit but it has a very meaty texture. It’s low in protein and can
From little moments to big ones, we’re here for you Nutricia is proud to launch our newly redesigned NutriciaMetabolics.com website, formerly known as MedicalFood.com. NutriciaMetabolics.com has been rebuilt with you in mind. Our aim is to provide the Metabolic community with support from the littlest moments in life to the biggest ones. Here are a
Introducing NutriciaMetabolics.com READ MORE
Can you remember the last time you checked the expiration dates on the food you have in your pantry or in the back of your refrigerator? If you can’t remember, this might be a good time to go and check. We often get questions on using expired product and if it’s still safe. Our advice
Do I Really Need to Follow the Expiration Date? READ MORE
Written in collaboration with Katie Maguire, PKU Adult and 2nd grade schoolteacher Lunch anxiety? Anxious that your child will not eat her lunch or drink formula at school? Here are some quick ideas that you can do to prepare and hopefully ease some anxiety: Pack the lunchbox and practice eating at home; make sure your child
10 Low Protein Lunch Tips for School READ MORE
Raise Awareness for PKU this May Nutricia North America is proud to support PKU Awareness Month this May by sponsoring a Push-Ups for PKU Challenge! From May 1 to 31, Nutricia will donate $10 for each video you post on Facebook or Instagram of you doing (or trying to do!) at least 5 push-ups. The
Push-Ups for PKU Challenge, 2021! READ MORE
Just because you have a metabolic condition like phenylketonuria (PKU), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), homocystinuria (HCU), or another inborn error of metabolism disorder doesn’t mean you can’t order restaurant food. Here are helpful tips for navigating common restaurant menus in the U.S. and Canada and finding low protein options that fit your diet. Remember
Restaurant Food Guides: Common Low Protein Options on Restaurant Menus READ MORE
Monitoring your baby’s blood phenylalanine (PHE) levels is an important part of managing PKU and helping your child thrive. Keeping blood PHE levels within the target range leads to normal growth and brain functions. If blood PHE levels are too high over an extended period, it may affect the brain. If PHE levels are too
Monitoring Your Baby’s PHE Levels READ MORE
Obtaining health insurance coverage for metabolic formula can be stressful in our current times. You may have experienced challenges in getting your formula covered, such as loss of coverage due to an employment change, dropped coverage due to age, and the list goes on. We understand how complicated it can be. That’s why Nutricia Navigator
Helping Families Find Formula Coverage: Nutricia Navigator READ MORE
Friends are so important to have in your life. Deciding to tell people that you have an inborn error of metabolism – such as phenylketonuria (PKU), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), homocystinuria (HCU), or another condition – is a personal decision. We’re here to help if you feel like opening up to your friends about
How to Explain Your Metabolic Disorder to Friends READ MORE
Being off the PKU diet leads to high phenylalanine (PHE) levels and is associated with a variety of symptoms, such as feeling tired, irritable and forgetful. This is how Rene felt before he went back on the PKU diet as an adult. We met up with Rene in his home in San Diego, CA to
Find out how Rene returned to the PKU diet READ MORE
Dining out can seem tough on a low protein diet, but it’s not impossible. Here are some helpful tips for going out, including what to look out for and how to prepare for a fun time on the town. Plan ahead as much as possibleIf you can, view the menu online ahead of time. Call
Tips for Dining Out on a Low Protein Diet READ MORE
When you reach your third trimester (after 26 weeks) you are now in the final countdown. With only 3 months to go, you will notice significant changes in your body and PKU diet. For some, your permitted protein intake may increase. Continue to be in close contact with your metabolic clinic. If you are not
3rd Trimester Support for Maternal PKU READ MORE
Week 13 through 26 is considered the second trimester of your pregnancy. View PKU & Pregnancy: What to Expect blog here View Low Protein Diet Tips To Help You Get Through The 1st Trimester Of Pregnancy blog here During this time, you will continue to work closely with your clinic as only they can provide
Maintaining PHE levels during your 2nd trimester of pregnancy READ MORE
Congratulations on your pregnancy! These are exciting times. Don’t forget, working closely with your clinic is important before, during and after pregnancy. Your clinic can provide the best guidance for you and your baby. Once your blood phenylalanine (PHE) levels are well-controlled and you become pregnant you enter the first of three trimesters associated with
Low protein diet tips to help you get through the 1st trimester of pregnancy READ MORE
We talked about general topics of sports nutrition in our last blog — let’s now discuss what is important BEFORE, DURING and AFTER exercise for people with an inborn error of amino acid metabolism such as Phenylketonuria (PKU), Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) or Homocystinuria (HCU). Before getting started, it is important to know that
Participating in sports and fitness provides many benefits for health and wellbeing—and this holds true for many people with inherited metabolic disorders. Plenty of members of the metabolic community run races, dance, and play team sports to stay fit. James, a college sophomore with Phenylketonuria (PKU), for example, plays club soccer. (Read our interview with
The holidays can be an exciting time of year. However, they can be a bit challenging for someone on a restricted diet as most festivities center around food. This blog focuses on tips for managing a restricted diet during the holiday season. The most important thing to do is plan ahead. The more you know
Tips for a Low Pro Thanksgiving READ MORE
The journey to motherhood, when you have Phenylketonuria (PKU), should begin with your metabolic clinic. It is essential to work with your clinic before, during and even after pregnancy. Only your clinic can provide the best guidance to ensure the best outcome for you and your baby. They will work with you to ensure well-controlled
PKU & Pregnancy: What to expect READ MORE
One of the first things you learn about PKU is that it requires a diet consisting of a special PKU formula and foods low in protein. It’s natural to wonder why the formula is needed. Why can’t you just follow a diet low in protein and skip the formula? Let’s start with why protein is
Why can’t I just follow a low protein diet? READ MORE
