Low protein books

A selection of low protein books for adults and children. Gift ideas for those new to PKU and inherited metabolic disorders. Plus, a free gift for subscribers.

Free copy of Mental health & PKU

I’ve released the mental health chapters from Living with PKU as a free download because I feel we need a conversation around the effects which managing a rare disease has on our quality of life.

Subscribers can download it directly from https://www.pigpen.page/hello/, or subscribe for free to get your copy.

For the whole family:

This is a membership rather than a book - but it is worth it for the magazine and supporting diet information provided by the NSPKU.

I highly recommend joining a patient organisation where you can find your PKU community. It only costs £20 for the whole family for a year. Membership is open to anyone, including those with PKU, their families, friends and associates. Family memberships receive

• A membership pack.
• Reduced rates for the annual NSPKU family conference. (The UK PKU event of the year!)
• Full colour News and Views magazine which is published quarterly.
• Plus, your subscription supports their work, including investigating phe content in foods.

Join today or find out more at https://nspku.org/membership/

I highly recommend joining a patient organisation where you can find your PKU community.

For children:

Here are a few picture books to help children to understand PKU and low protein requirements:

Badgerman's PKU Journey

The story of Badgerman was created by Susan Waplington, who has had PKU all her life. The book was inspired by the idea that children with the condition needed some way of understanding what is happening to them. Published 2023.

The Adventures of Ruby Pricklebottom: Ruby Has PKU

After finding out that Ruby was born with the rare metabolic disorder, Ruby and her family must learn how to manage the PKU diet in order to keep Ruby healthy and happy. Follow the Pricklebottoms’ journey from diagnosis to first day of school, and find out how Ruby manages to be extraordinary! Published 2016.

For older humans.

Sheila: Unlocking the Treatment for PKU

Sheila’s story is the founding story of current PKU and low protein treatments. The contribution which Sheila and her mother, Mary, made to modern medicine is immense; it led to the introduction of newborn screening and worldwide treatment for PKU. Sheila’s story will be important to people with PKU, their families, health professionals and readers interested in the history of medicine.

Memoirs Of My Journey To Motherhood : With Maternal PKU

NB: This is a new book and I have not yet read it, though it has been recommended by a trusted reviewer.

The author says: “This powerfully emotional memoir includes blogs and journal entries that I kept during my pregnancy, in the hope that one day I could share them to inspire other women like me and to teach others to not give up on their dreams.”

Living with PKU: A low protein life with Phenylketonuria

Yes, my own book. Save when you buy direct (UK & US only) A valuable resource for adults, teens, or families new to PKU. This book explains PKU in clear and simple language, and offers practical advice. In this honest account, I share my experience and mistakes to help others navigating the difficult dietary treatment.

"Completely fabulous. Brilliantly written." Suzanne Ford, NSPKU Metabolic Dietician

• or preview for free,
• or request it at your local bookshop or library (this helps me out too!)