What is the treatment for IVA?
Your baby’s primary doctor will work with a metabolic doctor and a dietician experienced with IVA to care for your child. Prompt treatment is needed to prevent metabolic crises and the health effects that follow. You should start treatment as soon as you know your child has IVA. Certain treatments may be advised for some children but not others. Treatment is usually needed throughout life. The following are treatments often recommended for babies and children with IVA: 1. Low-leucine diet, medical foods and formula Most children need to eat a diet made up of foods low in leucine. Special medical foods and a leucine-free formula are usually part of the diet. Your dietician will create a food plan that contains the right amount of protein, nutrients, and energy to keep your child healthy. A special food plan should be continued throughout life. Low-leucine / low-protein diet Foods high in protein (and leucine) that may need to be avoided or limited include: • milk and dairy products • me
