Comparison of Gut Microbial Community in Infants and Toddlers with and without Phenylketonuria

Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria in the colon and contribute to improved human health. Infants and young children with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), such as phenylketonuria (PKU) consume low amounts of dietary sources of prebiotics because of their comprehensive dietary restriction of phenylalanine-containing foods. It is unknown if the amount of prebiotics that patients with PKU consume provides adequate substrate to support a beneficial gut microbial community (GMC). The GMC is involved in many aspects of human health, including providing a barrier for colonization of pathogens, contributing to energy salvage and regulation, and modulating immune function.

Materials Available

• Abstract

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Project Type(s): Master's Thesis

Author(s): Melissa Edwards

Program(s): Master of Science

Year: 2014

Adviser(s):

• Johanna W. Lampe