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Back to College Interview with James Fryer

Reflections from a rising sophomore managing PKU and a busy schedule

This time last year as James Fryer was beginning his first year of college at Willamette University, he knew he was heading into a big life transition. Some of the adjustments proved more stressful than he anticipated.

“Always remembering, on my own, to have an adequate supply of formula,” reflects James on one of his PKU management tips. His hometown and college are in different cities, meaning preparation is very important.

Good thing James is a planner. He thrives on a schedule, whether for formula supply or diet and wellness, and is a master at making them. “I look at my schedule to see where I have time to cook versus go for a run,” shares James. This is a prime example of James’ planning that he feels led him to be successful not only in the classroom but also on the soccer field, becoming part of Willamette’s club soccer team.

James tried PhenylAde GMP READY as part of his daily routine. Will you?

Another campus group important to James are the chefs who prepare James’ food. “Willamette has taught me new, interesting things about [cooking] vegetables,” says James.

He got close to one of the university chefs this past year who was dedicated to James’ diet. The chef introduced the freshman to new things, such as fried cauliflower “rice” and utilizing all types of spices like turmeric and paprika. It’s a great relationship that James hopes to continue.

“Perhaps the biggest mistake I made was not stocking enough prepared snacks around the dorm”

-James

Outside the dining hall and back in his dorm room, James learned a lesson he’s eager to share with other college-bound PKU’ers, “Perhaps the biggest mistake I made was not stocking enough prepared snacks around [the dorm].” By the end of the year, James had a nice stockpile of low protein snacks, including low protein cereal, his standby. And another favorite snack that he’ll be continuing to eat this year? James is ready with an answer: “Dried cranberries!”

For handy and filling dorm snack, try Loprofin Loops low protein cereal

Other “grab-and-go” food on hand included dried jackfruit, which his dad got for him, and which ended up being popular among his friends. Applesauce cups and low protein rice cereal treats also helped James stay full and fueled between meals.

“If you’re constantly hungry,” James recommends to other PKU college students, “consider talking [to your metabolic healthcare professional] about adjusting formula or food, versus going off diet.”

With a new school year on the horizon, James is looking to stay on track diet-wise to help him succeed at new heights on the field and in the classroom. In fact, he’s hoping to declare a major this year, potentially math. With club soccer, he shares that he’s interested in building a soccer community around him, which ties into another goal of establishing relationships that go deeper than the differences in his diet.

Good luck with sophomore year, James! And be sure to pack plenty of dried cranberries!

PhenylAde GMP READY is a medical food for the dietary management of proven Phenylketonuria (PKU) and must be used under medical supervision.

Always consult your metabolic healthcare professional prior to making any changes to your diet. 

© 2019 Nutricia North America

PKU Periflex Junior Plus – Tips for Transition

Nutricia recently launched PKU Periflex® Junior Plus, a new addition to the Periflex family, with the goal of providing the best in PKU nutrition to your child. Towards this goal they have improved Periflex® Junior based on latest medical and scientific knowledge.

PKU Periflex Junior Plus - PKU Formula for Children

Available in Berry, Orange, Plain and Vanilla

Learn more about PKU Periflex Junior Plus

PKU Periflex Junior Plus has been improved to now provide DHA and Fiber for your child

  • DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid found to be lacking in the typical PKU diet
  • Nutricia’s own patented Multi-Fiberblend was added to help support your child’s overall gut health.

DID YOU KNOW IT CAN TAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS FOR A CHILD TO GET USED TO A NEW FOOD OR PKU FORMULA?

For some kids, a change in formula can be challenging. Some kids may need to try new foods/formula many times before acquiring a taste for it. So please be patient if that is the case with your little one.

To help we have created the PKU Periflex Junior Plus Activity Book.

PKU Formula Activity Book

Help your child transition to PKU Periflex Junior Plus with this fun, interactive activity book

Call 800-605-0410 to request a FREE Copy

Be sure to talk to your dietitian or clinic about a transition plan. They can provide a plan that will guide you step by step to make a slow and stead move to the new product by mixing  the new product and current product together to aid your child in making a successful change to PKU Periflex Junior Plus.

Request a Sample Now

Written by Linda Leuffgen, RD – Medical Affairs Associate, Nutricia North America

At what age should I introduce solid foods?

At what age should I introduce solid foods?Feeding child

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) currently recommends gradually introducing solid foods when a baby is about 6 months old.1

**Always consult your metabolic healthcare professional before introducing new foods or changing your child’s low protein diet.

How do I know if my baby is ready to eat solids?

The following tips may help2

  • Is your baby’s tongue-thrust reflex gone or diminished?
    This reflex prevents infants from choking on foreign objects, but also causes them to push food out of their mouths. Ask your pediatrician or metabolic dietitian.
  • Can your baby support his/her own head?
    To eat solid food, an infant needs good head and neck control and should be able to sit up unassisted in a high chair.
  • Is your baby interested in food?
    A 6-month-old baby who stares and grabs at your food at dinnertime is clearly ready for some variety.

What should I know about first foods?

Until now your baby is only used to liquids so it is essential that the first foods offered are a smooth, runny purée. First solids should be bland, easy to swallow and easy to digest. Your baby can progress to a thicker purée once they become used to the runny texture.

What types of food should I offer?

Check with your metabolic dietitian which foods are best for your baby.  Most parents begin with rice cereal mixed with formula and gradually introduce other foods. Homemade purées are inexpensive and easy to make. Fruit and vegetables can be cooked in a small amount of water until soft and then puréed using a hand blender or food processor. Ready-to-eat first foods and baby cereals are also available in the grocery store. Once you have introduced single purees to your baby you can try mixing different combinations for variety e.g. sweet potato and carrot, or apple and pear.

How much should I give my baby to eat?

At first, only offer very small amounts (about 1-2 teaspoons at a single meal). Gradually more food can be offered. When your baby is taking a reasonable amount of solids at a single meal (about 6-10 teaspoons) you can introduce solids at a second meal in the day and then at a third.

Suitable Low Protein Baby Foods2

6-8 Months Old

  • Apple sauce
  • Very small pieces of soft fruit
  • Some cereals
  • Soft cooked vegetables such as carrots or squash

9-12 Months Old

FRUITS

Fresh

  • Wash thoroughly.
  • Remove skins and seeds.
  • Cut into small, bite-size pieces or thin sticks (i.e. quarter grapes).
  • At one year, include unpeeled ripe fruits, berries, pears and nectarines.

Frozen/Canned

  • Look for fruits packed in their own juices.
  • Avoid fruits canned in heavy syrup.
  • Frozen fruits are soothing to teething gums.

Dried

  • Pitted or seedless prunes, apples, apricots, peaches, and dates.
  • Avoid raisins, which can cause choking.

Examples: Apple, Apricot, Avocado, Banana, Berry Grape, Kiwi, Mango, Melon, Nectarine, Orange, Papaya, Peach, Pear, Plum.

VEGETABLES2

Vegetables can be served hot or cold, but all will need to be cooked.

Fresh

  • Wash thoroughly.
  • Raw vegetables are difficult to chew, swallow, and digest.
  • Cook until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  • Cut into small pieces, long thin strips, or grate.

Canned or Jarred

  • Be careful of the amount of sodium, choose low sodium if possible.
  • Rinse the can or jar before opening.
  • Can be served directly from the can, cut to appropriate size.

Frozen

  • Must be cooked until tender and cut to appropriate size.

**Be sure to discuss PHE or protein tracking an your child’s daily allowance prior to proving any new foods.

References:
1. American Academy of Pediatrics Web Site. Web. 03 Mar. 2010. http://www.aap.org/
2. Eat Right Stay Bright. Guide for Hyperphenylalanemia. L Bernstein and C Freehauf. Chapter 1. Pages 56-58