Nutrient Intakes of Adolescents and Adults with Phenylketonuria

Abstract

Eighteen PKU individuals completed three-day food records. Nutrient analysis of the diets was determined using the Minnesota Nutrition Data System for Research. Subjects were divided into three medical formula consumption groups: Adequate (ns=6), Inadequate (n=3) and No Formula (n=9). Adequate formula was defined as consuming ≥ 80% of the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) of protein from medical formula. Statistical significance was found among the three groups using ANOVA for the mean nutrient intakes of folate (p=0.01), calcium (p<0.003), magnesium (p<0.008), iron (p<0.001) and zinc (p<0.005). For all significant nutrients, the Adequate group had significantly greater intakes than the No Formula group using Newman-KeuFs multiple comparisons test (p<0.05). Statistical significance was found using ANOVA for the mean percent DRI for folate (p=0.03), calcium (p<0.003), magnesium (p<0.004), iron (p<0.003) and zinc (p<0.004). For all significant nutrients, the Adequate group had significantly greater intakes than the Inadequate and No Formula groups using Newman-KeuFs multiple comparisons test (p<0.05). Marginal statistical significance was found using ANOVA for mean nutrient intake (p=0.09) and mean percent DRI (p<0.06) for vitamin B12. The results of this pilot study suggest that PKU subjects consuming no medical formula or less than adequate amounts of medical formula are at risk for several nutrient deficiencies. Supplementation with vitamins and minerals may be warranted in these subjects.