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Why Phe must be kept low in babies and children.
High Phe levels cause damage to the growing brains of babies and children. High Phe in children will cause life-long mental retardation and behavior problems. That is why parents must keep Phe levels low for babies and children with PKU.1
The good news is that when Phe is kept low, children with PKU can grow up healthy and happy. Their brains can develop fully.2 Low Phe begins with a diet that includes many regular foods like vegetables and rice. The diet also includes a special Phe free formula, to make sure the child gets enough protein.1
Some children may also be helped by a medication that can lower Phe.
How low is low?
Studies show that the lower you keep Phe the better it is for the brain.*2 Talk with your baby's doctor to find out his or her target Phe level.
It may take a little while to get used to keeping your child's Phe low every day. But there is nothing more important than protecting your child's brain. Thousands of parents have done it, and you can too. There is lots of help and support out there for you. Soon you won't think twice about it.
* Lower is better until you get Phe into the normal range of 1-2 mg/dL. Going lower than 1-2 mg/dL can be unhealthy. Talk with your doctor about the right target range for you.1,2
Next: Phe in teens and adults
