PKU Food Govt Assistance Program

PKU is a genetic disorder that prevents someone with PKU from metabolizing part of a protein, called Phenylalanine. Without treatement, brain impairment and metal retardation (for young children) can occur from the phe building up in their blood. The only treatment for PKU is to go on a speacial diet. This diet restricts all foods with phenylalanine including; meats, fish, dairy, nuts, wheats, and beans. Low-protein foods are made so that one with PKU can have a meal with little or no phe in it. Unfortunatly, the cost of low-protein food can be extreamly expensive, making it hard for families to afford the food they need for a PKU treatment. The State of Illinois needs to have an assistance program and insurance program to help pay for PKU food so that people with PKU will be able to afford to stay on their diet and stay treated .