Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder that affects 1 in 25,000 Americans, according to 2007 information provided by the March of Dimes. An individual with PKU lacks the enzyme necessary to break down and process the protein phenylalanine. If phenylalanine is not broken down, blood levels can become too high and result in brain damage. A diet low in protein reduces the risk of brain damage. While many types of fruit are low in protein, you should know what fruits are safe to eat and what ones to avoid or limit.
Phenylalanine
People with PKU must avoid foods high in phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is one of 20 essential amino acids and is present in high protein foods such as meat, cheese, beans, nuts, milk, fish and chicken. Tofu, soybeans and chocolate also have high levels of phenylalanine. Certain grains, such as wheat, have high levels of phenylalanine, and you should eat wheat bread and pasta with caution.
Low-Protein Fruits
Many types of fruits are acceptable for a PKU diet. You can eat grapes, apples, peaches, berries, cherries, tomatoes and oranges. Diluted orange juice and natural applesauce are acceptable. If you eat packaged or processed fruit products, check the label for aspartame. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener high in phenylalanine and you should avoid aspartame-sweetened products.
Fruits to Avoid
Some fruits are higher in protein than others and you should avoid eating them. According to Phe.com, a banana contains six times the amount of phenylalanine as an apple. While fruit smoothies made with diluted orange juice, ice and frozen fruit are acceptable, if you buy a smoothie at a restaurant or smoothie bar, make sure your smoothie is prepared without yogurt or bananas.
Ideas for a PKU Diet
While a low-phenylalanine diet may seem limited, you can add interest and flavor to the foods you can eat. Create colorful stir-fries with peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, carrots and tomatoes. Skewer vegetables and grill them to add texture and caramelization. Baked apples and pears make for a sweet dessert. Supplement your diet with a low-phenylalanine formula and low-protein bread and cheese
