Strong bones are essential for a healthy and active life. Do you have PKU? Then it is extra important to keep an eye on your bone health. Calcium plays a crucial role in this. In this article, you'll discover how to keep your bones strong and get enough calcium, despite a low-protein diet.
Why is bone health important in PKU
- Bones are constantly renewing themselves and need nutrients to stay strong.
- Calcium, phosphate, vitamin D and vitamin K are essential for good bone density.
- 99% of the calcium in your body is stored in your bones. A deficiency can reduce bone strength.
How does calcium work in your body?
Your body regulates the amount of calcium in your blood through hormones such as calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D. If there is too little calcium in your blood, your body gets it from your bones, which can make them weaker. Therefore, daily calcium intake through food or supplements is essential to keep your bones strong.
How do you get enough calcium with PKU?
Dairy products are an important source of calcium, but often do not fit within a low-protein diet. Fortunately, there are alternatives:
- Amino acid preparations: These not only contain all the essential micronutrients, including calcium, but are also a high-quality low-protein substitute.
- Not all amino acid preparations contain the same amount of calcium: consult your healthcare team about an amino acid preparation that contains sufficient calcium. A good guideline is that 10 g of powder + 100 ml of water contains about 120 mg of calcium, similar to 100 ml of milk.
- Your calcium needs vary by stage of life, so get advice from your doctor or dietician.
Other calcium sources in PKU
In addition to amino acid preparations, there are other options to increase your calcium absorption:
- Low-protein milk substitutes: Some dairy cream or whey protein-based milk substitutes contain little or no calcium.
- Plant-based milks such as rice, coconut or oat milk: check if they are fortified with calcium. They usually contain between 0.3 and 1 g of protein per 100 ml.
Tips for strong bones in PKU
- Provide a daily source of calcium through your diet or supplements.
- Combine calcium with vitamin D for better absorption.
- Exercise regularly, as exercise helps keep your bones strong.
- Consult with your treating dietitian which foods and supplements best suit your diet.
- With the right nutrition and attention, you can keep your bones strong, despite the limitations of a PKU diet. By making smart choices and integrating calcium-rich products into your daily routine, you can optimally support your bone health.
