Casein glycomacropeptide

Lacprodan^® CGMP – a natural choice for PKU nutrition

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn error of amino acid metabolism that affects around one in every 24,000 newborns globally¹. People with PKU have an enzyme deficiency which reduces the body’s ability to metabolise phenylalanine (Phe), an essential amino acid naturally abundant in most dietary proteins. If PKU is not diagnosed and treated from an early stage, dietary Phe intake may cause severe intellectual disability, epilepsy and behavioural problems. Therefore, a diet low in Phe is a key tool for PKU management².

Lacprodan^® CGMP-20 and Lacprodan^® CGMP-30 are highly purified casein glycomacropeptide (CGMP) ingredients with a very low content of Phe and tyrosine (Tyr). Both are suitable and safe protein sources for PKU management³ and, according to European guidelines, may be used as a protein substitute by patients with PKU above four years of age². 

Dietary adherence to a PKU diet based on low-protein foods and protein substitutes is a complex challenge for patients and their families⁴. Compared to a protein substitute exclusively based on free amino acids, clinical studies show that partial replacement of free amino acids with Lacprodan^® CGMP can provide important benefits, including:

• Improved taste and palatability²
• Improved gastrointestinal comfort⁵
  
  

In addition, CGMP has a high content of large neutral amino acids (LNAA), such as threonine and isoleucine. LNAA compete with Phe when crossing the blood-gut barrier and the blood-brain barrier², helping to prevent toxic levels of Phe from accumulating in the brain⁵.

Daily Phe allowance should be considered at all times and is evaluated individually for all patients. Even the small amount of Phe in Lacprodan^® CGMP-20 may challenge blood Phe control in those with the lowest levels of tolerance when used as the only protein substitute⁵. Containing ~50% less Phe than Lacprodan^® CGMP-20, Lacprodan^® CGMP-30 may be a suitable solution for more sensitive patients, potentially supporting gastrointestinal comfort and better Phe control⁵.

Due to the combination of low Phe and Tyr, Lacprodan^® CGMP is also a suitable protein ingredient for people with tyrosinemia⁶ and alkaptonuria⁷ – two other inborn errors of amino acid metabolism.

Product range

• Lacprodan^® CGMP-20 is a high-purity casein glycomacropeptide with a very low Phe level
• Lacprodan^® CGMP-30 contains ~50% less Phe than Lacprodan^® CGMP-20 and may be a suitable solution for more sensitive patients, potentially supporting gastrointestinal comfort and better Phe control⁵

Both ingredients are versatile, palatable and can be used in medical nutrition applications such as UHT drinks, bars and powders.

References:

1. Hillert, A., et al., The Genetic Landscape and Epidemiology of Phenylketonuria. Am J Hum Genet, 2020. 107(2): p. 234-250.
2. van Wegberg, A.M.J., et al., European guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of phenylketonuria: First revision. Molecular Genetics and Metabolism, 2025. 145(2): p. 109125.
3. Daly, A., et al., Casein glycomacropeptide in phenylketonuria: does it bring clinical benefit? Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care, 2024. 27(1): p. 31-39.
4. Yagudina, R., et al., Factors Affecting Adherence to a Low Phenylalanine Diet in Patients with Phenylketonuria: A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 2024. 16(18): p. 3119.
5. Pinto, A., et al., The effects of casein glycomacropeptide on general health status in children with PKU: A randomized crossover trial. Molecular Genetics and Metabolism, 2024: p. 108607.
6. Daly, A., et al., Casein Glycomacropeptide: An Alternative Protein Substitute in Tyrosinemia Type I. Nutrients, 2021. 13(9): p. 3224.
7. Judd, S., et al., Evaluation of a casein glycomacropeptide‐based protein substitute, in the dietary management of NTBC‐induced tyrosinaemia in patients with alkaptonuria: A prospective open‐label study. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 2024. 37(6): p. 1496-1504.