PKU Carriers' brains under the microscope: does phenylalanine cause hidden effects?

NCT ID NCT07220265

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Missouri-Columbia Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study examines how adults who carry the gene for phenylketonuria (PKU) but do not have the disease handle phenylalanine, a common amino acid. Researchers will give participants phenylalanine or a placebo and then use MRI scans and cognitive tests to measure brain activity, thinking skills, and blood levels. The goal is to understand if carriers experience subtle brain or cognitive changes after consuming phenylalanine.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Phenylalanine (Phe)
What this could lead to: If successful, this study could reveal whether PKU carriers face hidden cognitive or brain changes after eating phenylalanine, guiding future health advice.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage observational study with only 36 participants. It looks at short-term effects, not long-term health outcomes, so results may not apply broadly.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CARRIER OF PHENYLKETONURIA HEALTHY

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Missouri-Columbia
RECRUITING

Columbia, Missouri, 65201, United States

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