The completion of high school and the transition into the next chapter of education is a very exciting time. Applying to colleges, receiving the ‘fat envelope’, choosing classes, moving away from home, and living with a roommate for the first time, are all new and exciting experiences.
Arriving on campus and the first few weeks at college will bring about big change in your life: you will meet a variety of people and get introduced to your home away from home.
The one thing that remains constant is adhering to your low protein diet and drinking your PKU formula daily. Keeping your phenylalanine (PHE) levels in control when you don’t have your family watching over you may be more difficult than anticipated, but at the same time, more important than ever.
The key is to FOCUS and make a PLAN! Commit yourself to your PKU diet. Long lectures, late nights studying and preparing for exams will require you to be at your best and drinking your PKU formula daily, spread throughout the day will be one of your tickets to success. As you know, thinking skills and memory can decline with high PHE levels.
Be prepared! Write out your daily schedule and include dedicated time to mix and drink your PKU formula. This will help make formula part of your day and reduce accidental skips.
Tips for Drinking PKU Formula on Campus*
- Add formula powder to an empty water bottle (or other reusable container) that you can fill with water later for formula anywhere, anytime.
- Is your dorm far from campus? Rent a locker at the school gym or student union to keep your formula so you can refuel in between classes.
- Choose a formula that is sold in single-serving, travel friendly packaging. Powders in little pouches can easily be added to store-bought beverages while on campus or out with friends.
Examples include:
PhenylAde® GMP READY is a ready-to-drink PKU formula that provides 10 g of protein equivalent (PE) with a smooth, neutral taste.
Periflex® LQ is a ready-to-drink PKU formula that provides 15g PE in a highly portable and easy-to-drink container ideal for on-the-go campus life.
Lophlex® LQ is a ready-to-drink PKU formula that provides 20g PE in only 4.2 fl oz. Quick and easy to drink so you can get back to the books.
PhenylAde GMP Mix-In is a powdered PKU formula available in highly portable pouches that provides 10 g PE per serving and easily mixes with water, flavored drinks, sports drinks or other PKU formula.
Note: PhenylAde GMP Mix-In should not be used as a sole source of protein but must be given in conjunction with whole protein and other nutrients to supply the phenylalanine, fluid and general nutrition requirements of the individual in medically prescribed quantities. Must combine with an appropriate vitamin and mineral source when taking as the sole source of amino acid protein.
REQUEST A SAMPLE of a Campus Friendly PKU Formula from Nutricia today!
*Always refer to product label for consumption and storage instructions.
All products shown are medical foods for the dietary management of proven phenylketonuria (PKU) and must be used under medical supervision.
Talk with your metabolic dietitian or clinic to find out which PKU formula from Nutricia may be right for you. Always consult a healthcare professional prior to making any changes in your PKU diet plan.
There are thousands of children in the United States with medical conditions which require restrictive, medically-supervised diets. To live and thrive, many children are dependent on specialized medical foods and formulas. However, often times the important products that families need are not entirely covered by insurances. The families of these children face many worries and an enormous financial burden trying to ensure their children receive proper nutrition.
