Fatty acid metabolism in phenylketonuria

Eur J Pediatr. 1996 Jul:155 Suppl 1:S132-5. doi: 10.1007/pl00014230.

Abstract

Children treated for phenylketonuria (PKU) have a low intake of whole animal foods. Consequently, the dietary intake of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is just a few milligrams per day, mostly represented by arachidonic acid (AA). In a consecutive series of studies, we assessed in treated PKU children their long-chain PUFA status, the AA-related eicosanoid synthesis and the effects of specific PUFA supplementations. We found that the good compliance with the dietary regimen negatively influences the long-chain PUFA status and serum eicosanoid release from platelets. Supplementation with either marine or blackcurrant oils modifies the long-chain PUFA status of PKU children without approaching the fatty acid pattern of a healthy control population. Good-compliant PKU patients have diet-related, low levels of circulating long-chain PUFA, whose clinical and functional consequences deserve further investigation. The effects of dietary supplementations with long-chain PUFA of both the n-6 and n-3 series should be carefully evaluated.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Eicosanoids / biosynthesis
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / blood*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Phenylketonurias / blood*
  • Phenylketonurias / diet therapy

Substances

  • Eicosanoids
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated