What dietary restriction may be necessary for a child with phenylketonuria (PKU)?

For a child with phenylketonuria (PKU), the primary dietary restriction involves the avoidance of foods containing phenylalanine. PKU is a genetic disorder characterized by the body's inability to properly metabolize phenylalanine, an amino acid found in high-protein foods such as meat, dairy, eggs, and certain nuts and soy products. When phenylalanine accumulates in the body, it can lead to severe neurological damage and cognitive impairment.

Thus, managing PKU effectively requires a specialized diet that strictly limits phenylalanine intake. This means that parents and caregivers need to be vigilant in reading labels and avoiding foods that contain this amino acid to help prevent the harmful effects associated with its buildup.

The other dietary options proposed may not directly address the core issue of PKU. For instance, while increased carbohydrate intake can be a part of a balanced diet, it does not mitigate the risks associated with phenylalanine consumption. Likewise, restricting all dairy products is not specifically necessary unless they contain phenylalanine; some dairy alternatives without phenylalanine can be suitable. Limiting protein from all sources is also not practical as the child needs to receive adequate nutrition; rather, the focus should be on reducing