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[Breast feeding of infants with phenylketonuria]
F Hinrichs1, B Biggemann, U Wendel
1Kinderklinik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldort.
Insights
Breastfeeding is safe for infants with phenylketonuria (PKU). This study found no significant differences in weight gain or phenylalanine levels between breastfed infants and those receiving formula, supporting continued breastfeeding for PKU management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Metabolic Disorders
- Human Nutrition
Background:
- Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder requiring careful dietary management of phenylalanine intake.
- Breast milk is a natural source of phenylalanine, posing challenges for PKU infant feeding.
- Infant formula provides a controlled phenylalanine source, but breastfeeding offers numerous benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the outcomes of breastfeeding versus infant formula feeding in infants with phenylketonuria.
- To assess the impact of different phenylalanine sources on infant growth and metabolic control in PKU.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving two groups of five infants diagnosed with phenylketonuria.
- Group 1 received breast milk as the primary phenylalanine source.
- Group 2 received standard infant formula as the primary phenylalanine source.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed in weight gain between the two groups.
- Daily phenylalanine intake and mean plasma phenylalanine concentrations were comparable across both groups.
- Breastfeeding did not negatively impact metabolic control or growth in infants with PKU.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding can be safely continued for infants diagnosed with phenylketonuria.
- Dietary management of PKU can accommodate phenylalanine from breast milk, despite variable intake.
- This finding supports breastfeeding as a viable option for managing phenylketonuria in infants.
Abstract:
Five infants with phenylketonuria who received their phenylalanine primarily from breast milk were compared with five other infants with PKU who received infant formula as their primary phenylalanine source. No significant differences between both groups were observed for weight gain, the daily phenylalanine intake, and mean plasma phenylalanine concentrations. This study shows that breast feeding can be continued in young infants with their difficult to predict weight gain and daily changing phenylalanine requirements.