Phenylalanine metabolites, attention span and hyperactivity.

K. Michals, R. Matalon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

The metabolites of phenylalanine, phenylacetate, phenyllactate, phenylpyruvate and phenylethylamine, were measured in the urine of PKU patients. In general correlation was found between serum phenylalanine excretion of these metabolites. However, there were individual variations in the quantities and type of metabolites excreted that could not be explained by blood phenylalanine levels. In a PKU pregnancy large quantities of phenylalanine metabolites were found in urine despite a modest elevation of serum phenylalanine. Increase in the excretion of phenylalanine metabolites was found in patients who were considered to have good blood phenylalanine control. These preliminary studies indicate that the current practice of allowing a wide range of blood phenylalanine in the treatment of PKU may have to be reexamined. Since these metabolites are neurotoxic, they may afford a new parameter for the study of PKU not only regarding the prevention of mental retardation but also with regards to behavior and learning disabilities.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)361-365
Number of pages5
JournalThe American journal of clinical nutrition
Volume42
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1985
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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