About the Dangers of Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is a primary ingredient in the sweetener aspartame, found under brand names such as NutraSweet and Equal, and common in diet sodas and low-calorie foods. It also occurs naturally in protein-rich foods. Many people are concerned that phenylalanine as a food additive can cause harmful effects. However, the vast majority of physicians, such as those at the Mayo Clinic, state that phenylalanine only holds dangers for people with a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria, or PKU.
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Identification
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Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, meaning that it is not produced naturally by the body and must be acquired through diet. It occurs naturally in foods such as meat, dairy products, nuts and eggs.
PKU
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People with PKU are born with very little or no ability to process this amino acid, which can lead to dangerously high levels in infants if the condition goes undiagnosed. PKU can cause mental retardation and seizures.
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Diagnosis
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PKU, however, is nearly always diagnosed in early infancy because of routine testing measures.
Treatment
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Babies and children with PKU may need to avoid foods high in phenylalanine, as well as anything containing aspartame, to avoid neurological damage. Adults, however, often can return to eating these food items.
Considerations
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Pregnant women with PKU should avoid foods with phenylalanine and aspartame, as high levels of phenylalanine in their blood can cause dangers for the unborn baby, including mental retardation and other abnormalities.
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