What is the Metabolic Food Program?
North Dakota Health & Human Services’ Special Health Services offers a Metabolic Food Program for people diagnosed with Phenylketonuria (PKU) or Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) that provides medical formula and low-protein foods.
- Medical Formula:
- Free for males under 26 and females under 45 (any income)
- At cost for males 26+ and females 45+ (any income)
- Low Protein Foods:
- Free, when medically necessary, for males under 26 and females under 45 who have ND Medicaid
Children under the age of six with a diagnosis of PKU or MSUD can enroll in the Newborn Screening Follow-Up Program. Learn more about this program by visiting the Newborn Screening webpage.
You can also view the Metabolic Food Program Fact Sheet.
How to Enroll and Place Metabolic Food & Formula Orders
If you or your child has PKU or MSUD, contact Special Health Services to sign up and order formula or food. You must be monitored regularly by a metabolic specialist. Contact SHS by calling 701-328-2436 or 800-755-2714, or emailing dohcshsadm@nd.gov.
Phenylketonuria Monitoring
People with PKU need regular lab tests reviewed by a metabolic specialist. Monitoring can be done by your doctor or through SHS (partnered with Sanford Health). Even if you are not in the Metabolic Food Program, you can still get monitoring if you live in North Dakota or see Sanford's metabolic specialist. There is no age limit for the PKU monitoring service. For monitoring information or supplies, call the Sanford Medical Genetics Clinic at 701-234-2362.
Metabolic Disorders Clinic
SHS funds a Metabolic Disorders Clinic for children with PKU, MSUD, and other metabolic disorders several times a year where families can see multiple providers in one visit. There is no cost for families to attend the clinic and travel help may be available. For more information, contact the Sanford Coordinated Treatment Center in Fargo at 7001-234-6600.
Long-Term Follow-Up Program
For babies diagnosed through North Dakota’s newborn screening (like PKU or MSUD), follow-up is available until age six to help ensure proper health, growth, and development. For more information, call 701-328-2436, email nbs@nd.gov.