What is phenylalanine for kids?

What is phenylalanine for kids?

Phenylalanine is one of the eight amino acids that we get only from food sources. Usually, the body breaks down phenylalanine with an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) to make proteins. People with PKU are born with an inherited defect in the gene that controls the production of PAH.

Who should not use phenylalanine?

Phenylketonuria (PKU) and other conditions that cause high levels of phenylalanine: Phenylalanine should be avoided in people with certain inherited disorders that cause their bodies to build up too much phenylalanine. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is one of these diseases.

What happens when a child has PKU?

Children born with PKU will need to follow a lifelong low-protein diet and stay away from aspartame. If they don’t, they may have mood disorders, poor memory and problem-solving skills, depression, and uncontrollable shaking (tremors).

Can kids drink phenylalanine?

That said, there is one group of kids who can’t eat all artificial sweeteners: those with phenylketonuria, or PKU. People with PKU aren’t able to metabolize phenylalanine, an amino acid in aspartame, so they’re advised to steer clear of aspartame.

How much phenylalanine is too much?

Doses higher than 5,000 milligrams a day can cause nerve damage. Risks. People with certain conditions should avoid using this supplement, including those with schizophrenia (tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder, may develop.)

Does phenylalanine cause anxiety?

DL-phenylalanine may cause symptoms of anxiety, jitteriness, and hyperactivity in children. Doses higher than 5,000 mg a day may be toxic and can cause nerve damage. High quantities of DL-phenylalanine may cause mild side effects such as nausea, heartburn, and headaches.

Is phenylalanine an antidepressant?

It is concluded that dl-phenylalanine might have substantial antidepressant properties and that further controlled investigations are justified.

Do you grow out of PKU?

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.

Why can’t kids have aspartame?

Children with a rare inherited condition called phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid aspartame. PKU prevents the body from being able to properly break down an amino acid called phenylalanine, which is used to make aspartame. Labels on aspartame-containing foods and beverages are required to have a statement about this.