Alkaptonuria is a rare inherited disorder that causes a build-up of homogentisic acid in the body. This build-up can cause joint pain and dark-colored urine. To help manage this disorder, it's important that those with alkaptonuria avoid certain amino acids.
What Amino Acids Should be Avoided?
The amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine should be avoided when living with alkaptonuria. Tyrosine is an amino acid found in many foods, such as meat, dairy, and eggs. Phenylalanine is an amino acid found in several foods, such as seeds, nuts, and legumes. Both of these amino acids are metabolized into homogentisic acid, which can cause damage to the body in those with alkaptonuria.
How Should the Diet be Adjusted?
Those with alkaptonuria should adjust their diet to avoid foods high in tyrosine and phenylalanine. This includes avoiding foods such as meat, dairy, eggs, seeds, nuts, and legumes. Instead, those with alkaptonuria should focus on eating foods low in tyrosine and phenylalanine, such as fruits and vegetables. It's also important to talk to a doctor or nutritionist to create an individualized diet plan that meets the needs of the patient.
What Other Steps Should be Taken?
In addition to avoiding certain amino acids, those with alkaptonuria should also take other steps to help manage the disorder. This includes exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking and alcohol. Those with alkaptonuria should also talk to their doctor about any medications they may be taking that could interact with the disorder.
Living with alkaptonuria can be challenging, but with the right lifestyle and diet changes, those with the disorder can lead a healthy and happy life. By avoiding foods high in tyrosine and phenylalanine, those with alkaptonuria can help reduce the symptoms of the disorder and lead a normal life.