I’m a 30 year old phenylketonuric who has been training with weights for about 3 years, probably about 2 with any sort of reason or understanding of what I’m doing.
I think its important that I state what phenylketonuria (PKU) actually is. It’s an inherited metabolic condition whereby there is a deficiency in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). This enzyme is necessary to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine to the amino acid tyrosine.
Left untreated, this condition can cause problems with brain development, leading to mental retardation and seizures. However, PKU is one of the few genetic diseases that can be controlled by a diet low in phenylalanine (Phe) and high in tyrosine can be a very effective treatment.
As a result I am on a low protein intake diet (about 20 grammes natural protein per day). Phe is an essential amino acid and therefore is found in all meats, diary, beans and other protein sources.
Anyhow, thats my background, so please bear it in mind when viewing my photos.
In terms of routine I stick mainly with compound movements such as squat, DL, and presses which are supplemented with supersets of various smaller exercises.
At the minute, I’m guessing that I am at ~11% BF.
So, heres the photos. Please keep the comments constructive
Hmm…sorry for your condition. But the physique is what it is…Have you reserached thoroughly? There are really NO protein powders or even things like egg whites that don’t have this amino acid?
got a nice lean physique dude, you are overcoming a tough condition, big props to you, being limited to only 20 grams of protein a day is rough man but stay positive and keep it up
I don’t know anything about your condition, but wouldn’t taking BCAA’s (or at least restricting yourself to liquid amino acid replacements containing AA’s besides phe) make a big difference? Sure, its going to be costlier but what the hell?
[quote]rbpowerhouse wrote:
I don’t know anything about your condition, but wouldn’t taking BCAA’s (or at least restricting yourself to liquid amino acid replacements containing AA’s besides phe) make a big difference? Sure, its going to be costlier but what the hell? [/quote]
That is a good idea. BCAAs only have leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Unless there are trace amounts of other aminos. But something to look into and discuss with your doctors.
I am taking BCAA supplements - Scivation Xtend along with IntraXCell Beta Alanine.
I have misled you slightly in my previous post. I get 20g natural protein, but also am prescribed 90g synethetic protein (stripped of phe) as well. The doctors don’t want me to take any more than this.
My main problem is tiring out quickly at the gym. Stamina for weight routines is where I’m falling down. Any idea as to how I can keep myself going? I thought the Beta Alaninie would help…
personally ive simply found out that drinking enough water before/ and maybe during workout, and some complex carbs before help
other than that you just have to increase intensity (Best by doing lower rest intervals) and your body will adapt.
but what do yuo mean stamina though? sometimes i get kinda tired too and yawn at the gym but i still am able to get new PRs
plus protein has little to do with feeling tired. your muscles though might not recover fully with such a low protein intake. try taking a week off or something?
I have a friend with PKU. It’s tough, can’t eat anything. I feel bad when we go out to eat or something because here I am throwing back steaks and shit and she’s eating a plain potato.
So you get 110 grams of protein per day. Anyway the docs will give you more of the synthetic stuff? Also (I know expensive) but i would take tons of BCAA’s. Buy in bulk get 40grams a day, that will increase your protein intake to 150, then make up the rest in carbs and healthy fats, no reason you couldn’t get enough calories.
Also, because you can’t get extra protein all the time, more rest days might be beneficial. Only training 3 days per week. More rest would mean more time to use your lower protein intake to grow. Just a thought.
I’m not trying to be clever here, but couldn’t a guy with your condition just complain of weakness and possibly get prescribed some sort of mild anabolic agent? It could only help in your quest for mass, though it may fuck up your chances of having kids if you did it long term…
[quote]ravedave wrote:
I am taking BCAA supplements - Scivation Xtend along with IntraXCell Beta Alanine.
I have misled you slightly in my previous post. I get 20g natural protein, but also am prescribed 90g synethetic protein (stripped of phe) as well. The doctors don’t want me to take any more than this.
My main problem is tiring out quickly at the gym. Stamina for weight routines is where I’m falling down. Any idea as to how I can keep myself going? I thought the Beta Alaninie would help…
thanks.[/quote]
It should help. I also think Surge would help. 1/3 before workout. 1/3 during. and 1/3 after. Surge Workout fuel if it makes it too market. Of course, this assumes the Surges don’t have the acid that you can’t have.
When I read about guys with conditions like this, who are training as best they can, it really inspires me to work harder as I don’t have to struggle with something like this myself. Makes me appreciate how lucky I am.
Props for trying to be the best you can be.
What about Creatine? Can you take that?
ps. the shadow on the wall behind your back double bi looks cool
