PKU
PKU is a rare, inherited metabolic disorder that prevents the body from breaking down the amino acid phenylalanine which is the building blocks of protein.
A person with this disorder must be restricted to a low protein diet as the amino acid phenylalanine which can not be broken down becomes toxic in the brain and will lead to brain damage if not treated correctly.
The number of people in NI affected is about 1 in 4000 which is much greater than the average of 1 in 10,000 in the uk.
Diagnosed at birth via the heel prick test this disorder will require a person to live on a low protein diet for life which is closely monitored via the health department.
Some are fortunate to have access to a medical drug that will help relax the restrictiveness of the diet but again requires supervision from the health department.
To put it into perspective some people with PKU might only be able to have 3 or 4 grams of protein a day or in other words a slice of bread. They must then rely on low protein food prescriptions via the health department.
Imagine not being able to go into a restaurant and socialise with your family and friends without the worry of what you can and can not eat without the thoughts of brain damage
