Diet for Phenylketonuria in Childhood and Its Financial Complexity

The thesis deals with the diet of children with phenylketonuria. Phenylketonuria, its diagnostics and incidence are described in the theoretical part, it also further discusses the treatment of the disease, dietary measures as part of low-protein diet and recommended intakes of macronutrients. In last part, it focuses on the support of the individuals with phenylketonuria in the Czech Republic. The objective of the thesis was to map the diet of children with phenylketonuria and compare financial burden of low-protein diet with diet without restrictions. 10 children with phenylketonuria took part in the research. The collection of data was realized by the qualitative method using the semi-structured interview which was then processed into case studies. The meal plans sent by parents were evaluated in the Nutriservis Professional and PKU nutrition table, subsequently evaluated and similar meal plans without restrictions, containing common foods were created. In conclusion, both meal plans were compared. The analysis of the meal plans shows, that almost half of the respondents do not meet their daily energy needs. Carbohydrates are sufficiently present in the diet of children with phenylketonuria, on the contrary half of the respondents had a low fat intake. Proteins are consumed in sufficient amount, in some cases excessively. The meal plan was often monotonous. The reason could be high prices of special foods and rejection of the new ones. Low-protein products make up almost 60 % of all expenses for this diet. In summary, the diet for children with phenylketonuria is about 80 % more expensive than ordinary diet without restrictions. For half of the respondents, the health insurance contribution and the allowance for caregivers will cover all costs. For the second half, the expenses are covered only partially this way. The thesis can help increase public knowledge and awareness about the disease and its economic burden