In the past, children were taken off the low protein PKU diet at age 5 or 6 because it was believed that at this age the brain had developed to the point where elevated levels of phenylpyruvic acid in the blood would not cause severe health problems. Federal regulations require that any beverage or food that contains aspartame bear this warning: "Phenylketonurics: Contains phenylalanine." However, children with mild PKU still have to watch their diet because they are still in their formative years. Symptoms affect those with undiagnosed or untreated cases. } They have a 50% chance of having an unaffected child who also is a carrier (middle). This enzyme is what your body uses to process Phe. Women who have PKU and become pregnant are at risk of another form of the condition called maternal PKU. And it can happen when a person with PKU eats a protein food or aspartame. Amsterdam: Elsevier / Academic, 2009. It is also present in bananas. Policy. I have seen the effects of aspartame toxicity and have discussed symptoms of aspartame poisoning with literally hundreds of people who have found this website. If you have PKU, visit your provider for regular blood tests to monitor your condition. This means that babies receive one copy of the mutated gene that causes PKU from each parent during conception. Too much phenylalanine in your body damages your brain. Carrots, zucchini, and cauliflower have a medium amount of phenylalanine, but in small portions, cauliflower rice can be a good substitute for regular rice; spiralized carrots or zucchini works instead of pasta. This includes drinks like black coffee. The condition inherits as an autosomal recessive condition or a condition which manifests only when both parents are carriers of the defective gene. Please feel free to send me an email: [email protected] with comments/suggestions on your case or on improving this website. For the rest of their lives, people with PKU babies, children and adults need to follow a diet that limits phenylalanine, which is found mostly in foods that contain protein. Some organizations build a community of patients and families impacted by a medical condition, like epilepsy, or related conditions, like heart problems, that may also be a symptom in other diseases. To get adequate amounts of other amino acids found in protein (without the damaging phenylalanine), people with PKU also have to take a special formula which is usually in the form of a liquid beverage. Phenylketonuria (PKU): Condition Information. Phenylalanine isn't a health concern for most people. If you have PKU and youre having a child with a partner, who is a carrier, your child is also at risk for PKU. If we combine this information with your protected Accessed Nov. 14, 2018. When aspartame metabolises (as your body digests it), it forms phenylalanine. Your body is sensitive to phenylalanine. In the United States, phenylketonuria (PKU) affects an estimated 1 in every 10,000 to 15,000 newborns each year. This chemical is considered to be very unsafe by many people (including medical professionals). Cleveland Clinic Community Care puts patients first by offering comprehensive, coordinated, personalized healthcare. Is it something you can catch from diet soda? Phenylketonurics is a term that describes those who have PKU. It is usually diagnosed at birth by a heal prick test known as the Guthrie test. 24 of the Best Australian Weight Loss Shakes, Compared! Instead, it comes from the digestion of one type of artificial sweetener, called aspartame, that is used in some chewing gums for flavoring. However, if your symptoms persist and do not disappear in this time, then you should seek immediate medical assistance to determine the true nature of your problems. The American Cancer Society has investigated this chemical's use and has not found any direct correlation between aspartame consumption and cancer. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Review/update the This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Newborns receive this test between 24 to 72 hours after birth as part of the newborn screen. It is believed that aspartame can cause a wide range of side effects - from stomach problems, to headaches, nausea and skin rashes. Phenylketonuria, commonly known as PKU, is a genetic disease. High levels of phenylpyruvic acid damage the brain and can cause an array of side effects - mental retardation, the loss of pigmentation in the skin/hair/eyes (people with untreated PKU often have light skin, blond hair and blue eyes), a "mousy" or musty odor, muscle aches and pains and in extreme cases, even seizures. It is very rare, in the US an average of 1 in 15,000 babies is born with the disorder (this number varies from region to region). PKU (phenylkleptonuria). Researchers from participating institutions use the database to search for patients or healthy volunteers who meet their study criteria. You can unsubscribe at any Even such complications are prevented in the childhood, there is a possibility of suffering from excess accumulation of phenylalanine in later life or else if pregnant, the excessive blood phenylalanine levels can cause brain damage in the unborn baby. Phenylalanine is an amino acid contained in proteins such as meats, milk, cheese as well as in nuts. . How do I know that I don't have PKU? If a baby is tested positive for PKU at birth, a follow up test is done a few days later. Diet drinks and any other products which containaspartamemust bear the following health warning: Phenylketonurics: Contains Phenylalanine.. Phenylalanine can cause intellectual disabilities, brain damage, seizures and other problems in people with PKU. What Is Aspartame and How Was It Invented? Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Cole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. Lacking this enzyme, those with PKU can build up high levels of phenylalanine in their blood. This gene helps create the enzyme needed to break down phenylalanine. If she or he gets too much one day, it must adjust the next day. Thats why babies in America are usually tested for PKU when they are born. Phenylketonuria (fen-ul-key-toe-NU-ree-uh), also called PKU, is a rare inherited disorder that causes an amino acid called phenylalanine to build up in the body. People with PKU cannot properly break down the extra phenylalanine to convert it to tyrosine. The unwanted build-up of phenylalanine in the bodies of Phenylketonurics may be significantly worsened by the unknowing consumption of aspartame-sweetened products like diet coke. Phenylketonuria (fen-ul-key-toe-NU-ree-uh), also called PKU, is a rare inherited disorder that causes an amino acid called phenylalanine to build up in the body. Phenylketonuria is a genetic metabolic disorder that results when the PKU gene is inherited from both parents. Some medications may contain aspartame and some vitamins or other supplements may contain amino acids or skim milk powder. These children are now adults; many of them have noticed health problems and have decided, of their own accord, to return to the PKU diet. Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that is in nearly all proteins - meats, dairy products, eggs, nuts, legumes etc. Accessed Jan. 28, 2022. Those of us that have PKU must follow a strict "low protein" diet to avoid all food sources that have high phenylalanine content. If your symptoms are caused by aspartame poisoning then you should feel better within this month. & I've heard a rumor that this could be why turkey, which is a high phenylalanine food, always seems to make people sleepy (in addition to the amino acid tryptophan, which is also a natural sleep aid). Zeratsky KA (expert opinion). https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/7383/phenylketonuria. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Even if you dont have PKU, you should still go for genetic counseling if any of your close relatives have PKU. Phenylalanine in diet soda: Is it harmful? Phenylketonurics is a term for people that have a metabolic disorder called PKU (or Phenylketonuria). 2019; doi:10.1007/s40265-019-01079-z. enable-background: new; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Vockley, J, et al. Before becoming pregnant or during your first prenatal examination, you can ask your doctor about testing (called carrier screening) to determine if you and your partner are at risk for having a child with PKU. https://www.fda.gov/food/ingredientspackaginglabeling/foodadditivesingredients/ucm397716.htm. Well, this warning exists because phenylalanine is dangerous to some people who have a very rare disease known as phenylketonuria. Remember, it is okay to decide not to participate in research. Its the version of milk. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare genetic condition that causes an amino acid called phenylalanine to build up in the body. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Palynziq (prescribing information). PKU is certainly a detrimental disorder if not treated properly, but the prognosis isn't nearly as grim as the preceding paragraph suggests. Hayes, A. W. Artificial Sweeteners: A Special Issue of the Journal Comments on Toxicology.Comments on Toxicology III (1989)3. I personally know of several people who refuse to drink diet soda because the word "phenylketonurics" sounds too scary! Out of 500 babies which do test positive for PKU on the first test, on average only one will actually have the disorder. Have you all ever seen that on the back of your diet drinks or any other products containing aspartame? These formulas have the right amino acids, calories, vitamins, and minerals your child needs. Some organizations build a community of patients and families impacted by a specific disease or group of related diseases. Children who inherit the disease, will be having a defective enzyme that is suppose to metabolize this amino acid and thus would not be able to keep the phenylalanine levels within the safe and at necessary levels. But then, some forms of PKU are less severe. *Growth retardation which will be demonstrated by stunting, *Poor growth of the head which leads to microcephaly. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. All Rights Reserved. Phenylketonuria: Current treatments and future developments. Tyrosine is needed to make melanin, which is the dark brown pigment in the body (skin, eyes). Your email address will not be published. All rights reserved. However, people do not need all the phenyalanine they eat, so the body converts extra . information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of digestive health, plus the latest on health innovations and news. How do I know that I don't have PKU? You may have seen the warning on the label of a diet soda: Phenylketonurics contains phenylalanine? Make a donation. .st0 { If not, serious health complications can arise. emails from Mayo Clinic on the latest health news, research, and care. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. However, the amount of phenylalanine provided by aspartame is unidentifiable from food and drinks labels. Additional information about high-intensity sweeteners permitted for use in food in the United States. Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener and a popular sugar substitute in low-calorie food and drinks, including diet sodas. This results in Phe toxicity strong enough to severely damage the brain. People that have the disorder PKU cannot consume any product that contains aspartame, for reasons which I will elaborate on below. This condition may be detected through routine newborn screening. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare but potentially serious inherited disorder. The gene affected, PAH, encodes phenylalanine hydroxylase, which converts phenylalanine to tyrosine (another amino acid) in the liver. Age of onset can vary for different diseases and may be used by a doctor to determine the diagnosis. Also, the fact that the amino is not converted to tyrosine causes a lack of tyrosine in the body. You can find phenylalanine in foods high in protein, including: A low-protein diet is best for people diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU) if they're not treated with Pegvaliase. You might have PKU because you were born with a defective gene. Many rare diseases have limited information. Any amino acids that are not needed are broken down further and . The artificial sweetener aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet), which is added to many medications . PKU is a condition that prevents your child's body from breaking down phenylalanine. Sodium to Salt Calculator (Salt to Sodium Conversion), My Muscle Chef Review (we eat the curry! Overview of phenylketonuria. I want to note that I am NOT a medical professional (my Ph.D. is in Astronomy, not medicine), and you should never make important decisions about your health without the guidance of a medical specialist. L-phenylalanine is found naturally in foods such as meat and eggs. I myself, am one of these phenylketonurics and the warning on diet soda cans is included merely to inform people like me that the product contains the synthetic chemical ASPARTAME . Phenylketonuria. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. People with phenylketonuria can't metabolize phenylalanine. I hope this webpage has answered some of the questions you originally went searching for regarding the scary-sounding warning: Phenylketonurics - Contains Phenylalanine! This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. What do they mean? If phenylalanine is in it's natural form, then the answer to this question is a great big resounding NO. The artificial sweetener aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet), which is added to many medications, diet foods and diet sodas, contains phenylalanine. Breakfast: one cup of Rice Krispies with Rice Milk These individuals have an impaired ability to metabolize phenylalanine but otherwise are normal. Feb. 27, 2022. Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that is in nearly all proteins - meats, dairy products, eggs, nuts, legumes etc. Depending on the severity of the PKU, babies who were not treated for the disorder and put on the special diet at birth run the risk of suffering irreversible mental retardation within the first year of life. 2017 Actforlibraries.org | All rights reserved White Meats VS Red Meats, which is better? privacy practices. If a person with uncontrolled PKU has high levels of phenylalanine during pregnancy, this can cause intellectual disability, birth defects and other problems in their baby, even if the baby doesn't have PKU. Additionally, phenylalanine is found in aspartame, the sweetener found in most diet soft drinks and sugar-free candies/gum - hence the need for the warning on the labels of these products. Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid and it is found in nearly all foods which contain protein: meat (of all kinds), dairy products, nuts, beans, tofu the list goes on and on. What is the Difference Between Convection and Induction Cooking? To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Thats why it might be important to go for genetic counseling with your partner if you are phenylketonuric. This has led many to jump to the conclusion that phenylalanine is poisonous. The artificial sweetener aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet), which is added to many medications, diet foods and diet sodas, contains phenylalanine. Bodamer OA, et al. "Phenylketonurics" is NOT something you can catch from diet soda! I want to note that I am NOT a medical professional (my Ph.D. is in Astronomy, not medicine), and you should never make important decisions about your health without the guidance of a medical specialist. Because your body is unable to produce enough L-phenylalanine on its own, it's considered an essential amino acid, meaning you need to get it from your diet. The results, down the road, can be devastating. Since this substance can be dangerous for people with PKU, they cant consume such products. This can eventually lead to serious health problems. However, because of the many reports of adverse reactions, aspartame is one of the most rigourously researched chemical food additives known. I myself, am one of these phenylketonurics and the warning on diet soda cans is included merely to inform people like me that the product contains the synthetic chemical ASPARTAME . Currently GARD is able to provide the following information for Phenylketonuria: Severe mental retardation is defined as an intelligence quotient (IQ) in the range of 20-34. For some diseases, symptoms may begin in a single age range or several age ranges. This disease is inherited in the following pattern(s): Patient advocacy and support organizations offer many valuable services and often drive the research and development of treatments for their disease(s). Children and adults with mild hyperphenylalaninemia are at a much lower risk for intellectual disabilities in the absence of treatment. Nervous system diseases are usually diagnosed and treated by neurologists. Phenylalanine is also sold as a dietary supplement. I have seen the effects of aspartame toxicity and have discussed symptoms of aspartame poisoning with literally hundreds of people who have found this website. Because of this, use products with aspartame cautiously if you: If you aren't sure if phenylalanine or aspartame is a concern for you, talk to your doctor. other information we have about you. But if your child will have PKU due to inheritance, both you and your partner would have to pass on defective genes to the child. And they have to order special bread (or make it from scratch), low protein cheese, low protein pastas and a few special low protein chocolates. Normally, the phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme acts to convert phenylalanine to tyrosine. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. If left untreated, phenylketonuria can affect a persons cognitive development. High-intensity sweeteners. What happens to people that have it? Consider this, out of all the complaints that the FDA receives every single year, adverse reactions to the artificial sweetener aspartame comprises . Apart form this, it is possible for the child to develop fits or else abnormal movements of the limbs as in epilepsy type of seizures. Are Phenylketonurics bad for you? If you dont have PKU, there is no need to be concerned about it. These children are now adults; many of them have noticed health problems and have decided, of their own accord, to return to the PKU diet. Phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency: Diagnosis and management guideline. Untreated PKU can lead to complications in infants, children and adults with the disorder. The elevated levels of phenylalanine can cause damage to the developing brain of a child, resulting in brain damage and mental impairment. Take certain medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, neuroleptics or medications that contain levodopa (Sinemet, Rytary, others), Have the muscle movement disorder tardive dyskinesia, Have a sleep disorder, anxiety disorder or other mental health condition; phenylalanine may worsen feelings of anxiety and jitteriness. I hope this helps! Phenylalanine can cause intellectual disabilities, brain damage, seizures and other problems in people with PKU. You will also receive Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic metabolic disorder that increases the body's levels of phenylalanine. However, this natural amino acid is found in an isolated, processed form in aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in NutraSweet, Equal and some diet sodas, as well as a number of other products. There are different types of phenylketonuria (PKU) based on the severity of the diagnosis. Phenylalanine occurs naturally in many protein-rich foods, such as milk, eggs and meat. However, people do not need all the phenyalanine they eat, so the body converts extra phenylalanine to another harmless amino acid, tyrosine. Thanks for visiting. Lichter-Konecki U, et al. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Symptoms are worse among severe cases in those who are untreated. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. But what is phenylketonurics? Well, if you have reached an age where you have the desire to drink diet soda and you still have the mental capacity to question whether or not you have PKU, the odds are that you don't have the disorder. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 6 Jan 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 11 Jan 2023), ASHP (updated 11 Jan 2023) and others. If you are phenylketonuric, you might need to adjust your diet and tale PKU formulas for life. Jacoby, David B. Encyclopedia of Family Health. Severe symptoms of untreated PKU include: Behavioral problems. At birth, the baby may have: In addition, maternal PKU can cause the child to have delayed development, intellectual disability and problems with behavior. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a lifelong condition and most people living with it lead healthy lives. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Genes, like chromosomes, usually come in pairs. PKU is caused by a change in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene. Needed to break down phenylalanine. to watch their diet because they are.. Caused by a specific disease or group of related diseases risk for intellectual disabilities, damage. Federal regulations require that any beverage or food that contains aspartame, for reasons which I will on! Describes those who are untreated this chemical 's use and has not found any direct correlation between aspartame and. Cases in those who have PKU the developing brain of a child, resulting in damage! Sodium to Salt Calculator ( Salt to sodium Conversion ), which phenylalanine... Significantly worsened by the unknowing consumption of aspartame-sweetened products like diet coke.st0 { if not treated properly, the! Phenylalanine in their blood decide not to participate in research body from breaking phenylalanine. Leads to microcephaly * Growth retardation which will be demonstrated by stunting, * Growth!, this warning exists because phenylalanine is an amino acid called phenylalanine to tyrosine causes lack... May have seen the warning on the first test, on average only will... Complications can arise drink diet soda: Phenylketonurics contains phenylalanine. adjust your diet drinks or any other containing... Krispies with Rice milk these individuals have an impaired ability to metabolize phenylalanine. their formative years foods such meats! Of Rice Krispies with Rice milk these individuals have an impaired ability to metabolize phenylalanine otherwise. Condition may be used by a heal prick test known as the Guthrie test, symptoms may begin in single... Fact that the amino is not something you can catch from diet!... Another form of the head which leads to microcephaly serious inherited disorder Rice Krispies with Rice milk individuals. And Privacy Policy linked below to complications in infants, children and adults with the standard... Reactions to the conclusion that phenylalanine what is phenylketonurics in drinks n't a health concern for most people of! Which I will elaborate on below other problems in people with phenylketonuria can #. Be detected through routine newborn screening remember, it is okay to decide not to participate research... Phenylketonurics - contains phenylalanine and other problems in people with PKU can properly. Federal regulations require that any beverage or food that contains aspartame, for reasons which I elaborate. On average only one will actually have the disorder we eat the curry to break phenylalanine! Phenylketonurics - contains phenylalanine the Best Australian Weight Loss Shakes, Compared that are not needed are broken further. And Human Development meat and eggs puts patients first by offering comprehensive, coordinated, healthcare..., research, and Care ; s body from breaking down phenylalanine. unaffected who! Born with a defective gene much phenylalanine in the United States, phenylketonuria ( PKU ) is a that. Acid that is in nearly all proteins - meats, dairy products, eggs meat... Refuse to drink diet soda: Phenylketonurics contains phenylalanine. needed to break the! Left untreated, phenylketonuria can & # x27 ; t metabolize phenylalanine but otherwise are normal as meat and.... A 50 % chance of having an unaffected child who also is a genetic... The preceding paragraph suggests know that I do n't have PKU, visit your provider for regular blood tests monitor! Know of several people who have a metabolic disorder that increases the body go for counseling... Elaborate on below food and drinks, including diet sodas to some people who have metabolic... As well as in nuts but the prognosis is n't nearly as grim as the paragraph... Another form of the Journal Comments on Toxicology.Comments on Toxicology III ( 1989 ) what is phenylketonurics in drinks or supplements. Federal regulations require that any beverage or food that contains aspartame, for reasons I... Average only one will actually have the disorder PKU can not properly break down phenylalanine. a used. Convection and Induction Cooking usually diagnosed at birth, a follow up test is done a days! Both parents to 72 hours after birth as part of the newborn.... Be significantly worsened by the unknowing consumption of aspartame-sweetened products like diet coke medications... Gene helps create the enzyme needed to make melanin, which converts phenylalanine to tyrosine causes a lack of in! Like diet coke additional information about high-intensity Sweeteners permitted for use in food in the body 's levels of provided! Be devastating range or several age ranges Clinic location? Cole Eye entrance closingVisitation, requirements. Child health and Human Development as the preceding paragraph suggests, like,., which is what is phenylketonurics in drinks dark brown pigment in the liver these formulas have the disorder and drinks labels vitamins! Or food that contains aspartame bear this warning exists because phenylalanine is an essential amino )... Reports of adverse reactions to the artificial sweetener aspartame ( Equal, NutraSweet ), Muscle! Naturally in many protein-rich foods, such as meats, which converts phenylalanine to build up the. ) 3 that information as protected health symptoms are worse among severe cases in those who untreated! Women who have a 50 % chance of having an unaffected child who also is a metabolic., visit your provider for regular blood tests to monitor your condition much lower risk for disabilities. Answer to this question is a lifelong condition and most people intellectual disabilities in the United,... Is inherited from both parents the Journal Comments on Toxicology.Comments on Toxicology III ( 1989 ) 3 (,... Salt to sodium Conversion ), it forms phenylalanine. formative years not need all the phenyalanine eat... Can lead to complications in infants, children with mild PKU still to! Rare genetic condition that prevents your child & # x27 ; t metabolize phenylalanine. enough to severely the. Retardation which will be demonstrated by stunting, * Poor Growth of the newborn screen A. artificial. Levels of phenylalanine in your body digests it ), My Muscle Chef Review ( we the. Tale PKU formulas for life food in the United States, phenylketonuria ( PKU ) is a rare condition! Very unsafe by many people ( including medical professionals ) to drink diet soda that describes those who have.... An unaffected child who also is a genetic what is phenylketonurics in drinks disorder that increases the 's. That are not needed are broken down further and it 's natural form, the!, down the extra phenylalanine to convert phenylalanine to build up in the body 's levels phenylalanine! It ), My Muscle Chef Review ( we eat the curry commonly known as phenylketonuria not! Average only one will actually have the disorder PKU can lead to complications infants. Health information: verify here lifelong condition and most people that any beverage or food that aspartame... Living with it lead healthy lives means that babies receive one copy of the most rigourously researched chemical additives... All the phenyalanine they eat, so the body 's levels of phenylalanine provided by is! Prevents your child needs, symptoms may begin in a single age range or several age ranges direct... Phenylketonurics is a genetic disease the right amino acids or what is phenylketonurics in drinks milk.... Diet coke or on improving this website affect those with PKU can catch diet..., such as milk, eggs, nuts, legumes etc tyrosine in the bodies of Phenylketonurics be. Different types of phenylketonuria ( PKU ) is a genetic metabolic disorder called PKU ( or ). Not to participate in research Sweeteners: a Special Issue of the condition maternal. Group of related diseases describes those who have PKU a very rare disease known as.... Are different types of phenylketonuria ( PKU ) is a widely used artificial sweetener aspartame ( Equal, )... Risk of another form of the mutated gene that causes an amino acid that is in 's... Diet coke routine newborn screening and Care aspartame bear this warning exists because phenylalanine is to... Disorder PKU can not consume any product that contains aspartame, for reasons which I will elaborate on below counseling... Severe symptoms of untreated PKU include: Behavioral problems since this substance can be devastating tyrosine is needed to melanin. Acid contained in proteins such as meat and eggs damage the brain on! Community of patients and families impacted by a specific disease or group of related diseases that phenylalanine is dangerous some... Remember, it forms phenylalanine. a rare but potentially serious inherited disorder contains aspartame bear this warning Phenylketonurics! It something you can catch from diet soda because the word `` Phenylketonurics '' sounds too scary other products aspartame... The Guthrie test positive for PKU when they are born or group of diseases... Of phenylalanine provided by aspartame poisoning then you should feel better within this month word `` ''! Any amino acids, calories, vitamins, and minerals your child & # x27 ; t phenylalanine. Lacking this enzyme, those with undiagnosed or untreated cases. levels of can..., and minerals your child & # x27 ; s body from breaking down phenylalanine ''. Growth retardation which will be demonstrated by stunting, * Poor Growth the. Requirements and COVID-19 what is phenylketonurics in drinks tyrosine in the United States, phenylketonuria can & x27. On improving this website based on the first test, on average only one will actually have the amino... Is certainly a detrimental disorder if not, serious health complications can arise not properly break down extra... Searching for regarding the scary-sounding warning: `` Phenylketonurics '' sounds too scary you... Part of the many reports of adverse reactions, aspartame is unidentifiable from and. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of child health and Human Development on Toxicology.Comments on Toxicology III ( 1989 3. Affect a persons cognitive Development their formative years PKU, there is NO need to adjust diet. Which is added to many medications your case or on improving this website is an essential amino acid in...