Except in rare circumstances, the diet does not allow consumption of meat, fish, poultry, milk, eggs, cheese, ice cream, legumes, nuts, or many products containing regular flour. A synthetic formula is used as a nutritional substitute for the eliminated foods. This formula is very expensive. Fortunately, a number of states have mandated insurance coverage for the cost, or in some instances the state health department may provide the formula to families of affected children. The diet is supplemented with special low protein foods and weighed or measured amounts of fruits, vegetables and some grain products.
Some states now have laws mandating insurance coverage of the expensive special low protein foods.
However, it is now known that stopping the diet can result in a variety of serious problems. As a result of the problems that have developed in young people who have discontinued the diet, it is believed that the diet should be maintained for a lifetime. Frequent blood monitoring to achieve this goal is critical. All individuals, male or female, who have stopped the diet would be wise to return to the diet under the supervision of a PKU treatment program. Maternal PKU Returning to the diet is especially important for young women with PKU who want to become pregnant.