hi there johnnysock,
I have a hunch that the nurse was referring to a specific protein-related disease that can cause severe brain damage in babies. The disease is called PKU, or
Phenylketonuria. It's due to a birth defect, and fortunately is rare; nonetheless all newborns are routinely screened for this disorder during the early months.
The cause is due to deficiency or even complete lack of the enzyme required to metabolize
phenylalanine, an amino acid which is a component of proteins. Because the infant cannot metabolize the phenylalanine, it accumulates in the blood. The levels get very high and eventually it can cause brain damage, mental retardation and other neurological disorders.
If caught early, and treatment established promptly .. the outcome is a normal healthy child who grows up to be a normal healthy adult
Generally, the treatment is .. diet. Depending on the level of enzyme deficiency (some have only mild, others more severe), the baby will be put on protein-restricted diet. Again, depending on severity, the diet will be maintained till the child is grown, or sometimes for life. Some foods are higher in phenylalanine than others .. so obviously those would be avoided at all costs. It's worth noting that aspartame (Nutrasweet) contains phenylalanine, and all products made with aspartame must carry a warning
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Should you be concerned? As long as your baby's dr. is following up with regular tests and check-ups, and reports show everything is hunkey-dorey .. then don't worry.
As for your own brain, unless you were born with this disorder yourself, then eating protein isn't going to be a concern. Eat up!
more info. about PKU is at the
PKU News website
hth,
Doreen