Fenilketonüri Hastalarının Beslenme Alışkanlıkları ve Besin Tüketim Düzeylerinin Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

Objective: Initiation of nutritional therapy from an early age in patients with phenylketonuria may cause abnormal nutritional behaviors. The aim of the study is to evaluate the food consumption levels of phenylketonuria patients by determining their dietary habits and the amount of energy and nutrients they consume. Material and Methods: An online questionnaire including their dietary habits and 24-hour food consumption records was applied to the patients between December 2018-March 2019. Results: A statistically significant relationship was found between age groups and the most commonly consumed cooking methods. As the age increases, the use of frying cooking method increases compared to healthy cooking methods. A statistically significant relationship was found between age groups and the frequency of french fries consumption. An inverse correlation was found between the number of formula meals and blood phenylalanine levels. As the number of meals increases, the blood phenylalanine values of the patients decrease. It was determined that the average energy consumption was insufficient for all age groups and patients aged 10-18 and over 18 years old received insufficient protein. It has been observed that the amount of phenylalanine taken at 0-4 and 4-10 years of age is higher than the amount of phenylalanine that should be taken. It has been found that each age group receives tyrosine and protein at safe rates carbohydrate consumption rates are higher than recommendations and fat rates are lower. Conclusion: Diet therapy affects nutritional habits and nutrient intake. Life-long follow-up of nutrition is important in order to prevent chronic diseases that may be caused by these effects for a long time.