Glycomacropeptide Provides a ‘Whey’ Forward for PKU

Phenylketnouria (PKU) is an inborn error of phenylalanine (phe) metabolism screened for at birth in the United States and Europe. Those with PKU have a defect in the ability to convert the essential amino acid (AA) phe to tyrosine. With a normal diet, elevated levels of phe in the blood of these individuals is toxic to the brain and results in severe cognitive impairment (NIH, 2000). To prevent brain damage, a diet low in phe that severely restricts intake of natural dietary protein and requires…