What is PKU explore?

PKU explore™ is a concentrated, powdered protein substitute, which when mixed with water is easily made to a low volume drink or, spoonable, second-stage protein substitute for older infants and young children with PKU.

PKU explore comes in two sachet sizes:

• PKU explore5 contains the equivalent of 5 grams of protein
• PKU explore10 contains the equivalent of 10 grams of protein

Both sachet sizes also contain vitamins and minerals that are needed to help meet your child’s requirements.

Who is PKU explore for?

PKU explore is for infants and young children with PKU. PKU explore5 is unflavoured and suitable from 6 months of age, whereas PKU explore10 comes in orange or raspberry flavours and is suitable from 12 months of age. PKU explore can be taken up until your child is 5 years old, however your dietitian will advise when is best for them to switch over to their next protein substitute. This is usually around the age they start school.

Why does my dietitian want my child to try PKU explore?

When your child is around 6 months of age, your dietitian will help you start the process of introducing solid foods into your child’s diet, often called weaning or the introduction of complementary feeding. At this time your child will need to start introducing a second stage protein substitute alongside their phenylalanine-free formula. PKU explore is a second stage protein substitute that has been specifically developed to make this process as simple and stress free as possible.

How much PKU explore does my child need?

The amount of PKU explore your child needs will depend on a variety of factors including their age and weight. Initially, they may only need a very small amount, which will increase as they grow. Your dietitian will advise exactly how much PKU explore your child will need each day.

How do I prepare PKU explore?

Preparing PKU explore is easy!

Preparing as a smooth spoonable semi solid- 

1. For PKU explore5 add 12.5ml of cold water into a beaker*, or for PKU explore10 add 25ml of cold water into a beaker.
2. Empty the contents of the sachet into the beaker.
3. Secure the lid and shake well for 10 seconds.
4. Leave to stand for 2 minutes, allowing a smooth semi-solid consistency to form.
5. Consume immediately with a spoon.

Preparing as a low volume drink-

1. For PKU explore5 add 40ml of cold water into a beaker*.
2. Empty the contents of the sachet into the beaker.
3. Secure the lid and shake well for 10 seconds.
4. Drink immediately. 

*Don’t worry if you haven’t got a beaker yet, you can ask your dietitian and they can request that one is sent to you. If you have a beaker with a lid at home you can use that too.

Visit the Vitafriends Explorers Club.

Visit the Vitafriends Explorers Club, an education programme to help support your family as you begin your PKU journey.

Designed to complement the information provided by your dietitian, here you will find age specific information to help you manage the low phe diet.

As your child grows up, there are plenty of fun, educational materials which can be used to help them understand their diet and appreciate the importance of good dietary management.

Sign up to the Vitafriends newsletter and like our Facebook page

Don’t forget to sign up to the Vitafriends newsletter to receive updates about new recipes, our low protein foods and PKU events in your area.

Join the Vitafriends PKU Facebook page and our Vitafriends Instagram page to get support from others with PKU.

PKU explore is a food for special medical purposes for the dietary management of Phenylketonuria, and should be used under medical supervision.

Refer to product labels for allergen and other product information.