Why it's important to avoid big changes

New research has shown that children whose Phe levels go up and down tend to have lower intelligence (IQ) scores than children whose Phe levels are more or less the same all the time. Big changes in Phe seem to be hard on the brain.¹²

It can be hard to keep Phe low all the time, especially for people with classic PKU. A spike in Phe once in a while is probably not that big a deal. But people with PKU should try hard to keep Phe levels both low and constant.¹²

Next: PKU and pregnancy