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A different approach to breast-feeding of the infant with phenylketonuria

Margreet van Rijn1, Jolita Bekhof, Tietie Dijkstra

  • 1Department of Dietetics, University Medical Centre Groningen, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands. G.van.Rijn@fd.azg.nl

European Journal of Pediatrics
|April 15, 2003
PubMed

Insights

This study found a new breast-feeding protocol safe for infants with phenylketonuria (PKU). The approach, alternating breast and formula feeds, showed comparable metabolic control and growth to formula-only feeding.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Nutrition

Background:

  • Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder requiring strict dietary management.
  • Traditional PKU management often relies solely on specialized formula.
  • Breast-feeding offers numerous benefits but presents challenges in PKU management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel breast-feeding protocol for infants with phenylketonuria (PKU).
  • To compare metabolic control and growth in PKU infants managed with the new protocol versus standard formula-only feeding.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving two groups of PKU infants.
  • The intervention group (n=9) followed an alternating breast-feeding and phenylalanine-free formula protocol.
  • The control group (n=9) received only phenylalanine-free formula.
  • Metabolic control (plasma phenylalanine levels) and growth were monitored for the first 6 months.

Main Results:

  • No statistically significant differences in metabolic control or growth were observed between the breast-fed and formula-fed groups.
  • Mean plasma phenylalanine levels were 170 micro mol/l (breast-fed) and 181 micro mol/l (formula-fed).
  • The new protocol was noted to be more convenient for parents.

Conclusions:

  • The studied breast-feeding protocol is a safe and viable option for the strict management of otherwise healthy infants with phenylketonuria.
  • This approach allows infants to consume both foremilk and hindmilk, potentially improving feeding dynamics.
Abstract

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