For around fifty of the known inherited metabolic disorders, management is through a lifelong commitment to a restricted diet. In the example of the amino acid disorder Phenylketonuria (PKU), individuals cannot break down the amino acid phenylalanine, which leads to a build-up on the brain. A build-up of this kind can cause long-term health issues, including irreversible brain damage.
Ellis’ story
“Ellis was just four days old when we got a phone call from the geneticist. She explained to us that Ellis’s test for PKU had come up positive. We make sure to eat as normal as we can. We’re really proud of that, of making sure her food looks like our foods – so that PKU doesn’t define her, she’s so much more than that.
We love to be a part of the PKU community, showing others a success story, how as a family we’re no different, we experience life just the same.”
I know some foods will make me sick but with the low protein foods I can eat meals that look like what the rest of the family is eating."
Ellis - USA
What are inherited metabolic disorders?
Inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs), also known as Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are a group of rare disorders caused by genetic defects that affect the body's ability to break down particular nutrients in food e.g. amino acids. Inherited (most often via both parents) and detected shortly after birth by newborn screening, IMDs are usually caused by defects in enzymes that help break down ('metabolize') food, which results in the production of abnormal protein, which in turn can alter the normal functioning of cells. If not managed, IMDs can cause a wide array of symptoms including delays in physical and mental development1,2.
PKU occurs in just 1 in 10,000-15,000 newborns.
The role of nutrition in inherited metabolic disorders
Since amino acids such as phenylalanine are the building blocks of the protein we eat, PKU patients must stick to a low-protein diet, alongside supplementation of the essential and non-essential amino acids that our bodies need to function properly. For all people with metabolic disorders managed through diet, special foods will help them to meet their nutrition requirements while providing the necessary dietary management of the disorder.
Rare disease day: Raising awareness for rare diseases
Rare Disease Day, a day to raise awareness. Nutricia Metabolics supports raising awareness especially for inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). Curious to see how medical nutrition supports people with an IEM?
- Prevalence of rare diseases - Jan 2020
- PKU guideline: Van Wegberg ea_OJRD 2017
Supporting patients
Nutritional solutions cater to every specific disorder and help meet the evolving dietary needs of patients. Read more on the Danone Nutricia Research website.
Different nutritional needs
Children with an inherited metabolic disorder have different nutritional needs to their healthy born peers. Our research is based on the 2017 Diet for Life guidelines.
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