» We are exhibiting at the Plant-Based Trends and Innovations Conference on 8th February 2023 in London.
In food, drink and medicinal products
Following a low protein specialist diet is a necessary requirement for many and the analysis of food and drink to ensure low protein content is essential, especially for those diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU). In this disorder, large amounts of the amino acid phenylalanine build up in the body instead of being broken down. As phenylalanine is an amino acid found in virtually all foods containing protein, a specialist low protein diet is required.
Phenylalanine labelling of food and drink beverages is essential to alert people with the rare inherited condition known as phenylketonuria (PKU). With this condition, the amino acid phenylalanine cannot be metabolised and may build up to toxic levels in the brain. This can lead to serious and irreversible brain damage. Testing for PKU takes place shortly after birth. If diagnosed, treatment involves a low protein diet along with consumption of prescribed dietary products to ensure adequate nutrition.
As well as being found in foods that naturally contain protein, phenylalanine is also found in aspartame, an artificial sweetener. Aspartame is found in many products as a sugar substitute, including diet drinks and some medicines. All food and medicines that contain aspartame MUST be labelled to alert people with special dietary requirements.
What is the purpose of phenylalanine?
Phenylalanine is found in all foods that contain protein. It is essential for growth, repair and maintenance of the body, so it cannot be removed from the diet completely. For people with special dietary requirements such as those diagnosed with PKU, small, measured amounts are required, making accurate quantification of food and drink essential.
Methods we use for measuring phenylalanine content
Our method of post column detection avoids the potential for overestimation of protein reported with other analysis techniques. This technique also allows us to analyse phenylalanine content without interference from the sample matrix, allowing us to accurately quantify very low levels of phenylalanine making it ideal for analysing food and drinks for those requiring a low protein diet.
Details about PKU can be found at www.pku.com and at www.nspku.org
For information on testing any products for phenylalanine or low-protein content, or for information on any of our other amino acid analysis services, please request a quotation or get in touch.
Related articles

Case study: Method development for the amino acid analysis of a complex material.
This case study highlights the work performed by our scientists to overcome the challenges in the development of this adapted amino acid analysis method.

Amino acid analysis methods review: Post column detection method compared to Kjeldahl and Dumas methods
We discuss three methods widely used for the acquisition of protein content in food products. Methods are briefly explained and the advantages and disadvantages of each explored.

Dr Siobhan Daniels joins AltaBioscience as Non-Executive Director
Alta Bioscience Ltd, a University of Birmingham spinout company operating in the areas of custom peptide synthesis and amino acid analysis, announces the appointment of Dr Siobhan Daniels to the Board of Directors with immediate effect.