Adults with PKU May Require Supplementation with Vitamins B12 and B6

[Guest guest]

Colleagues, the following is FYI and does not necessarily reflect my own

opinion. I have no further knowledge of the topic. If you do not wish to

receive these posts, set your email filter to filter out any messages

coming from @nutritionucanlivewith.com and the program will remove

anything coming from me.

---------------------------------------------------------

Adults with Phenylketonuria (PKU) May Require Supplementation with

Vitamins B12 and B6

Reference: “Vitamin B(12) and vitamin B(6) supplementation is needed

among adults with phenylketonuria (PKU),” Hvas AM, Nexo E, Nielsen JB, J

Inherit Metab Dis, 2006; 29(1): 47-53. (Address: Department of Clinical

Biochemistry, SKS, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. E-mail:

am.hvas@... ).

Summary: In this study, 31 adults with phenylketonuria (PKU) who were

following a less protein-restricted diet (limited intake of animal

products) were found to have an increased risk of developing vitamin B6

and vitamin B12 deficiencies, and those who took a daily vitamin

supplement were found to have significantly lower levels of plasma

homocysteine, as compared to those who did not. Laboratory tests,

clinical information and detailed information about food consumption

were obtained from subjects. Food questionnaires revealed that 71% of

subjects consumed less vitamin B6 than recommended and 39% consumed less

vitamin B12 than recommended. Biochemical data revealed that 75% of

subjects had early signs of vitamin B12 deficiency. Plasma homocysteine

was found to be elevated in 29% of subjects (above 12 mumol/L) despite

normal folate status, however, subjects who took a daily vitamin

supplement were found to have significantly lower levels of plasma

homocysteine. Reduced vitamin B1 2 intake was found to be significantly

associated with both reduced serum cobalamins and reduced serum

transcobalamin saturation. The results of this study suggest that adults

with PKU may 1) consume less than the daily recommended intake of

vitamin B6, 2) be at an increased risk of developing vitamin B12

deficiency, and 3) benefit from daily vitamin supplementation.

Considering the low cost and the potential benefits, the authors of this

study recommend vitamin supplementation in adults with PKU.

--

ne Holden, MS, RD < fivestar@... >

" Ask the Parkinson Dietitian " http://www.parkinson.org/

" Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease "

" Parkinson's disease: Guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy "

http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/