Is gum safe to chew? (Phenylalanine)

[sljaws]

Yesterday, I bought a pack of Stride chewing gum. I was surprised when I read the ingredient list.
It stated Phenylketonurics: Contains Phenylalanine. Isn't this PKU?

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is inherited, which means it is passed down through families. Both parents must pass on the defective gene in order for a baby to have the condition. This is called an autosomal recessive trait.
Babies with PKU are missing an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase, which is needed to break down an essential amino acid called phenylalanine. The substance is found in foods that contain protein.
Without the enzyme, levels of phenylalanine and two closely-related substances build up in the body. These substances are harmful to the central nervous system and cause brain damage.

I am wondering what happens when your enzymes do not break down the amino acid? Are we going to be mentally challenged?

[Cthulhu]

Yes, it's fine.

Here's the answer to your question straight from the Mayo Clinic, one of the most respected medical institutions in the world:

Phenylalanine isn't a health concern for most people. But if you have the genetic metabolic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU), or certain other health conditions, phenylalanine can be a serious health concern. If you have PKU, phenylalanine can cause mental retardation, brain damage, seizures and other problems.

Phenylalanine occurs naturally in many protein-rich foods, such as milk, eggs and beef. Phenylalanine also is sold as a dietary supplement. And the artificial sweetener aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet), which is added to many medications, diet foods and diet sodas, contains phenylalanine. Because of this, federal regulations require that any food product that contains aspartame bear a warning stating "Phenylketonurics: Contains phenylalanine." This warning helps people with PKU and other conditions avoid products that are a source of phenylalanine.

As they say, phenylalanine occurs naturally in many foods you eat and don't even think twice about, like eggs, milk, and meats, so it's nothing to worry about.......unless you have PKU, which is a very rare genetic condition......

The problem that people with PKU have is that their body can not break down phenylalanine, so it builds up. Normal people can, so it is not a concern.......

[M.H.West]

Thank goodness you figured that one out. If I was going the have to get rid of my gum then I might prefer to be mentally challenged. Gum is a great way to keep from eating when you are hungry.

[Cthulhu]

Thank goodness you figured that one out. If I was going the have to get rid of my gum then I might prefer to be mentally challenged. Gum is a great way to keep from eating when you are hungry.

LoL, a gum addict, eh? I chew ice.......

[Lorinda Hale]

I love gum too, but I could easily part with it. They do say though that chewing gum is good for your teeth. It is supposed to strengthen your teeth and clean your teeth. Of course, it's pointless if you don't chew sugar free gum.

[sljaws]

Cthulhu, thank you for information! I too, am glad that I can keep the gum. Has anyone noticed that gum made today is different than is was a few years ago? It seems one stick is hardly worth chewing. I always take two.

[dafraz]

Thanks you for this post. I have always wondered what that meant and if it was safe. I drink way to much diet soda and I noticed that it has alot of that stuff in it.

[mommymumbles]

well, I just do not like chewing gum at all for some reason. And it annoys me when my kids are chewing it too. Maybe i am a gum-a-phobic? But it is good to know the facts about it anyway. Thanks, Cthulhu.

[HollisterFitch]

Its good to know that I can chew gum because I tend to chew it when I'm hungry and I really shouldn't be eating or I can't eat at that time. Great post, very informative.

[Cthulhu]

well, I just do not like chewing gum at all for some reason. And it annoys me when my kids are chewing it too. Maybe i am a gum-a-phobic? But it is good to know the facts about it anyway. Thanks, Cthulhu.

Yeah, I don't chew gum either - mostly because I think it leaves a terrible aftertaste. I like to chew ice, however, which some people find annoying.....