The Impact of the Quality of Nutrition and Lifestyle in the Reproductive Years of Women with PKU on the Long-Term Health of Their Children.

ABSTRACT: A woman's nutritional status before and during pregnancy can affect the health of her progeny. Phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare disorder causing high blood and brain phenylalanine (Phe) concentrations, is associated with neurocognitive disability. Lifelong treatment is mainly dietetic with a Phe-restricted diet, supplemented with a low-Phe protein substitute. Treatment adherence commonly decreases in adolescence, with some adults ceasing dietary treatment. In maternal PKU, elevated blood Phe is harmful to the fetus so a strict Phe-restricted diet must be re-established preconception, and this is particularly difficult to achieve. A woman's reproductive years introduces an opportunity to adopt healthier behaviours to prepare for successful pregnancies and positive health outcomes for both them

SUBMITTER: Gama MI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8912747 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature