Dietary treatment focuses on minimizing phenylalanine intake, which requires severe restriction of native proteins. Instead, special amino acid mixtures low in phenylalanine and special foods low in protein must be used.
This diet comes with a financial burden. Since the costs of special foods are not covered by health insurance companies in Germany, this can pose a significant financial challenge for families with children or young people suffering from PKU. The survey shows that the monthly costs for the diet for PKU can be significantly higher than those for a healthy child’s diet (optimized mixed diet [OMK]). Support in financing additional costs through health surcharges when receiving citizen’s benefit is therefore urgently needed and should be set as a flat rate.
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Thank you for agreeing to this interview, Mr./Ms. Guest. We would like to discuss the article on dietary treatment for PKU (phenylketonuria) published in Ernaehrungs-Umschau journal. To begin with, could you share your thoughts on the challenges faced by families with children or young people suffering from PKU while following this diet?
Guest 1: Sure, well, one of the primary challenges is the severe restriction of native proteins required in the diet. This means that special amino acid mixtures low in phenylalanine and special foods low in protein have to be used, which can be quite costly. Additionally, the diet is time-consuming and requires careful planning to ensure that the patient gets all the necessary nutrients. Another challenge is the psychological impact on the individual and the family, as this is a lifelong condition that needs constant monitoring and adherence to the diet.
Guest 2: Absolutely. The dietary treatment comes with a significant financial burden, especially in Germany where health insurance companies do not cover the costs of special foods. This has been highlighted in the article, and I completely agree that support in financing additional costs through health surcharges when receiving citizen’s benefit is urgently needed. Furthermore, I believe that there should be more awareness about PKU and its dietary requirements, not just among healthcare providers but also within society as a whole.
Moving on, the article mentions that the monthly costs for the diet for PKU can be higher than those for a healthy child’s diet. How do you think this can be addressed?
Guest 1: Well, one potential solution could be to create more affordable options for special foods and amino acid mixtures. Additionally, health insurance providers should consider covering these costs, especially considering the long-term health benefits of sticking to the diet. Furthermore, families should be offered more support in terms of education and resources to help them manage the diet effectively and minimize costs.
Guest 2: I completely agree. In addition to what Guest 1 said, I think the government could play a role in providing financial assistance to families with PKU patients, either through direct subsidies or tax exemptions
