Plasma micronutrient concentrations in infants undergoing therapy for phenylketonuria

Twenty-seven infants with classical phenylketonuria were evaluated longitud inally for 6 mo while ingesting Phenex(TM)-1 Amino Acid Modified Medical Fo od With Iron as their primary protein source. Intake of selected nutrients and biochemical indices of trace and ultratrace mineral status and plasma r etinol and alpha-tocopherol concentrations were evaluated. The means of iro n status indices (complete blood count, plasma ferritin, iron, transferrin saturation, total iron binding capacity) and the plasma concentrations of t race and ultratrace minerals (copper, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, zinc ) and plasma retinol and alpha-tocopherol were in the reference ranges. Vit amin A intakes (r = 0.49, p < 0.05) and plasma retinol-binding protein conc entrations (r = 0.42, p < 0.05) were positively correlated with plasma reti nol concentrations at 3 mo of study. At 6 mo, concentrations of plasma tran sthyretin (r = 0.72, p < 0.01) and retinol-binding protein (r = 0.48, p < 0 .05) were positively correlated with plasma retinol concentrations. At 6 mo , concentrations of plasma transthyretin (r = 0.52, p < 0.05) were positive ly correlated with retinol-binding protein concentrations. Phenex-1 support s normal mean iron status indices and mean concentrations of trace and ultr atrace minerals, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol when fed in adequate amounts .