Tag Archives: amino acids

What is Phenylketonuria?

If you read the labels on your foods… and you’re a diet soda drinker (like I am), you may have noticed a little warning: PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE. I always figured it was some sort of food allergy, mainly because the warning comes in the same place I usually see warnings about wheat, milk, egg, soy, and tree nut warnings. Phenylketonuria (also called PKU) is an inherited disorder where a person can’t process one of the amino acids found in many foods: phenylalanine or “phe”. Because the body can’t process phe, it builds up in the body. In infants and children, … Continue reading →

Nutrients Your Pets Need

It isn’t easy to decipher the list of ingredients on your pet food labels. Knowing what nutrients your pets need can help you understand what you’re feeding your dog or cat. Proteins are the building blocks for cells, tissues, and organs. Proteins are made up of two types of amino acids: essential amino acids (which cannot be synthesized by your pet’s body) and non-essential amino acids. Animal-based proteins like chicken, lamb, beef, fish, and egg provide essential amino acids for your pets. Vegetables, cereals, and soy can provide some amino acids, but not all of the essential amino acids your … Continue reading →