Dietitian's Corner
If you have PKU or someone in your family does, you know that Medical Food should provide 80% of that person’s daily nutrition. The rest of those needs can be met with fruit, vegetables and low-protein products (see Maddy’s products on our website, www.dietforlife.com).
But what about newly discovered nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber and antioxidants?
Recent scientific evidence indicates that a healthy diet should including foods high in soluble fiber, such as whole oats, barley and brown rice; fish oil from fatty fish like tuna, sardines and salmon; and antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries and pomegranates. Children and adults with PKU can eat a variety of fruits that provide cancer-fighting antioxidants and fiber but must avoid fish and whole grains due to their PHE content.
What can someone with PKU do to improve his or her intake of these important nutrients?
Flaxseeds and their oil are a vegetarian source of linolenic (lihn-o-lehn-ik) acid which is a precursor to Omega-3 fatty acid. A precursor is a substance the body can change into a desirable nutrient all on its own. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain development in children and may reduce the risk of heart and circulation –related diseases in adults. Flaxseed oil, also known as flax oil, is pressed from Flax seed. This oil is easy to digest. As a precursor to Omega-3 fat, it is an important nutrient that people with PKU may want to add to their diet.
There are a variety of supplements available in health- food stores and many local supermarkets that may be useful in providing these nutrients. If you would like to add these important nutrients to your diet, ask your dietitian to help you work it into your healthy meal plan.
|