A Methionine-Portioning-Based Medical Nutrition Therapy with Relaxed Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Patients with Pyridoxine-Nonresponsive Cystathionine-& beta;-Synthase Deficiency

The main treatment for pyridoxine-nonresponsive cystathionine-& beta;-synthase deficiency is a strict diet. Most centers prescribe low-protein diets based on gram-protein exchanges, and all protein sources are weighed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a more liberal methionine (Met)-based diet with relaxed consumption of fruits and vegetables on metabolic outcomes and dietary adherence. Ten patients previously on a low-protein diet based on a gram-protein exchange list were enrolled. The natural protein exchange lists were switched to a "Met portion exchange list". Foods containing less than 0.005 g methionine per 100 g of the food were accepted as exchange-free foods. The switch to Met portioning had no adverse effects on the control of plasma homocysteine levels in terms of metabolic outcomes. It resulted in a significant reduction in patients' daily betaine dose. All patients preferred to continue with this modality. In conclusion, methionine-portion-based medical nutrition therapy with relaxed consumption of fruits and vegetables seems to be a good and safe option to achieve good metabolic outcomes and high treatment adherence.