Background: To achieve a normal nutritional status, patients suffering from phenylketonuria (PKU) are typically prescribed amino acid (AA) supplements with low or no phenylalanine (Phe) content. Studies evaluating patient preferences regarding the intake modalities of AA supplements are limited. This study aimed to collect real-world data regarding prescription adherence and intake modalities of AA supplements reported by PKU patients while monitoring metabolic control.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 33 PKU patients (16 female and 17 male) with a mean age of 27.2 years. Questionnaires were provided to assess information on AA supplement intake, such as prescription adherence rate, frequency and timing of administration, supplement formulation, and combination with food or drinks. Plasma phenylalanine levels were monitored during the study period.
Results: 51.5% (n = 17) of patients reported to lay within an adherence range of 75-100%. The majority of patients consumed AA supplements twice daily, with breakfast (87.9%) and afternoon snacks (51.5%). Powder supplements were most commonly used (72.7%) and often combined with milk and/or fruit juices (45.4%).
Conclusions: Despite the known concerns related to treatment compliance among PKU adolescents and adults, most of the study participants reported a high level of adherence to AA supplement prescription. The personalized dietary regimens followed by the patients included in the current study represent a treatment approach that might be worth trying in non-compliant patients.
Keywords: amino acid mixtures; dietary control; intake modalities; metabolic control; phenylalanine; phenylketonuria; prescription adherence.