Vitafriends Voices

What does it really mean to live well with PKU? In this deeply personal episode, two of the most passionate voices in the PKU community, Richard Farquhar and Kevin Alexander, come together for a rare, face to face conversation that spans continents, challenges, and everything in between. Despite living on opposite sides of the world, Richard and Kevin have built a close friendship rooted in shared...

Join us for a special festive bonus episode of VitaFriends Voices featuring Lorraine, the inspiring voice behind the popular Instagram account @GrowingUpWithPKU. Lorraine shares her personal experience of managing her teenage daughter Hannah’s PKU during the holiday season, including navigating festive meals and ensuring Hannah never misses out on the joy of Christmas. Subscribe for more community...

Dietitian & Advisor to the NSPKU, Suzanne Ford, wraps up season 2 and explores how patient organisations can support individuals and families living with a metabolic disorder. In this episode, we discuss challenges, education, peer connection, and how individuals can get involved in ways that genuinely help. This conversation will resonate with newly diagnosed and long time community members a...

Tyrosinaemia (TYR) is incredibly rare, and when your child receives a diagnosis, everything changes. Lorraine and Harry Spillane reflect on their experiences in the early days, building routines that work and staying positive as a family. Subscribe for more community stories and practical tips for living with a metabolic disorder. Follow our Instagram @Vitafriends_Voices to be the first to hear ab...

Dr Maximilian Pichler and Harald Schossmann, an adult with PKU, discuss the Austrian 'Back to Clinic' study and initiative. This episode covers Harald's lived experience of returning to the PKU diet, as well as a healthcare professional’s evidence based view and explanation of the study's findings. Subscribe for more community stories and practical tips for living with a metabolic...

Travel and PKU definitely can coexist. In this episode, Nicole Weber shares practical strategies for flying, eating out and staying on plan, all while building confidence and community on the road. Perfect for anyone managing phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other metabolic disorder who wants unique tips that actually work. Subscribe for more community stories and practical tips for living with a meta...

Living with homocystinuria (HCU) has been a journey for Éimear. In this inspiring episode, she talks openly about acceptance, community, and turning personal experience into effective advocacy. Subscribe for more community stories and practical tips for living with a metabolic disorder. Follow our Instagram @Vitafriends_Voices to be the first to hear about future episodes! All products and medica...

A candid conversation on maternal PKU: from pre conception planning to daily management, and the often overlooked role of partner support. Helen and Steve share what helped, what didn’t, and how love and teamwork made all the difference. Subscribe for more community stories and practical tips for living with a metabolic disorder. Follow our Instagram @Vitafriends_Voices to be the first to hear abo...

Many adults with PKU consider returning to diet, but few talk about it so openly. Stuart Sumner shares what triggered this lifestyle change, the challenges faced and the practical steps he took. In this uplifting episode, Stuart also shares his experience of innovative drug therapies and finding his PKU community. Subscribe for more community stories and practical tips for living with a metabolic...

In this special bonus episode, we sit down with Daragh and Wendy Nolan, a mother-son duo who share their unique experiences of living with Daragh’s Phenylketonuria (PKU). Join us as they delve into the dynamics of their family life, including the challenges and joys of managing PKU alongside Daragh's older brother, Fionn, who does not have the condition. With a mix of heartfelt stories and hum...

In this season finale, metabolic dietitian Sarah Howe offers a professional’s perspective on the key themes discussed throughout the season. She reflects on the experiences shared by guests and provides valuable insights into living well with disorders of protein metabolism. All products and medications referred to in the podcast must be used under medical supervision. For more information, please...

In this episode, Devin, the father of a young girl with GA1, discusses their family's journey, including managing food aversions and the emotional aspects of parenting a child with a metabolic disorder. He reassures other parents that they are not alone in this journey. Some of you may know Devin as one of our Vitaflo chefs, which he also touches on in this episode.  All products and medicatio...

In this insightful episode, Annie shares her personal story of growing up with PKU while actively participating in sports. Now in her twenties, she is pursuing a PhD project designed to benefit both herself and others with PKU. She discusses how her research aims to study the combined impact of nutrition and exercise on the health of those with PKU, and her goal to develop evidence-based intervent...

At just 16, Daragh shares his uplifting perspective on living with PKU, focusing on how he balances a social life while transitioning to independence. His positive mindset serves as an inspiration to others navigating similar challenges. All products and medications referred to in the podcast must be used under medical supervision. For more information, please speak to your healthcare professional...

Bianca joins us from Australia and shares her wisdom and advice for young teens struggling with a disorder of protein metabolism. She emphasises the importance of support from family, friends and partners and encourages listeners to embrace life and all its possibilities.  All products and medications referred to in the podcast must be used under medical supervision. For more information, please s...

Join Richard as he reflects on his journey with PKU, exploring how the condition has shaped his experiences at different life stages. He discusses his passion for fitness while offering personal anecdotes and encouragement. All products and medications referred to in the podcast must be used under medical supervision. For more information, please speak to your healthcare professional.

Aoife shares her heartfelt experience as a new mother to a baby diagnosed with PKU, discussing the challenges and triumphs of the first year. An honest and frank insight to other new parents into what she thinks the (bright) future will hold. For more information on navigating a PKU diagnosis, visit https://www.vitafriendspku.co.uk/navigating-a-pku-diagnosis All products and medications referred t...