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In order to supress the long-range symptoms of PKU, such as mental retardation, patients must be placed on a strict diet. Patients with the most severe case of PKU, must follow the strictest diet which eliminates all high protein foods, since all protein-rich foods contain phenylalanine. This diet does not allow for the consumption of meat, fish, poultry, dairy products such as milk, ice cream and cheese, as well as nuts. A special formula is added to the diet in order to replace the vital amino acids present in these foods. As stated before, this formula is very expensive.

Other diets are fairly liberal and allow for some consumption of proteins. However, all food must be weighed, even fruits and vegetables. A patient with greater tolerance for phenylalanine can consume more fruits and vegetables than others.

When scientists first discovered that a diet low in phenylalanine prevented retardation in infats, they thought that diet was only necessary during childhood. The reasoning behind this was that excess phenylalanine could only hurt a growing and developing brain. However, after great research, it was proven that adults who were off the diet, had a higher chance for behavioral and learing problems than those who maintained the diet. These problems include drops in IQ, learing disabilities, eczema and personality disorders such as schizophrenia and panic attacks. Doctors now recommend that adults stay on the diet in order to maintain a healthy and functioning brain.

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