A Study of Diets Low in Phenylalanine and Tyrosine for Collagen Disease
In 1957, Nishimura 74 made a startling proposition that linked collagen disease with hereditary metabolic defects. This defect was stated to be in the metabolism of tyrosine. Based on this report, a pilot study was conducted in which six rheumatoid arthritis patients and one scleroderma case were treated with a low phenylalanine and tyrosine diet. The diets supplied approximately 1500 calories and 36 grams of protein. No more than 1500 mg. combined phenylalanine and tyrosine were given in any one day. Lofenalac was used as the principle source of protein. During the six week test period laboratory studies were carried out at weekly intervals for determining the following: blood glucose, hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, globulin, A.G. ratio, thymolturbidity, rheumatoid arthritis latex globulin test, hematocrit, and sedimentation rate. Clinical progress was also noted in each individual. The diets were quite well received and there were no evidences of inadequate nutrition. The scleroderma patient and three of the arthritic patients improved. One case showed unsatisfactory improvement, while two showed no improvement. The sedimentation rates roughly paralleled clinical progress. The reports of completed laboratory analyses did not appear significant. It was concluded that based on results obtained, investigation should be continued before significant statements could be made.
Nutrition, Collagen Diseases -- therapy; Phenylalanine; Tyrosine
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