Quality of life aspects of a low protein diet using GMP in patients with phenylketonuria

Abstract

Objective To assess some quality of life (QOL) aspects of a low protein diet, using glycomacropeptide (GMP) as a protein substitute in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). Methods This was a multicentre, prospective observational cohort, study. Metabolic control, nutritional parameters, and dietary adherence were assessed in patients with PKU before (T0), and six months after (T6) starting a low protein diet using GMP. Selected items from the PKU-QOL questionnaire were used to assess patients’ acceptance of their modified diet. Results 18 patients from three Italian Centres, completed the study. With the exception of LDL-cholesterol and vitamin 25OH-D concentrations, there were no differences between T0 and T6 in metabolic or nutritional parameters. Data suggested that patients have a good acceptance of protein substitutes containing GMP, probably because of their improved palatability. Conclusions According to our patients’ responses to items related to dietary regimen, GMP based protein substitutes do not appear to significantly affect QOL.