What Is Newborn Bloodspot Screening? Every baby born in Australia (around 99%) receives a heel‑prick test within 48–72 hours of birth. A few drops of blood are collected and tested for serious, rare inherited conditions — often before any signs or symptoms appear....
Jun 25, 2025
Life on the IEM Low-Protein Diet 🥕 What is a Low‑Protein Diet? People with IEM must limit protein intake to an extremely low level every day. This means: Foods NOT allowed: Meat, fish, eggs, dairy, wheat, rice, nuts, legumes, and even many common vegetables and...
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare inherited disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). This means people with PKU cannot properly break down phenylalanine (Phe) — an amino acid found in most foods — causing it to build up to toxic...
Dr. Robert Guthrie: The Man Behind Newborn Screening 👶 🩺 A Life That Changed Millions of Others Born 28 June 1916, Dr. Robert Guthrie was an American microbiologist and physician who revolutionised newborn screening — a legacy that has saved...
Jun 12, 2025
Have Your Say: Access to Palynziq for PKU A potential new treatment for PKU — Palynziq — may soon be submitted to the PBAC (Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee) for government funding consideration. We’re inviting the PKU community to join an important online...
May 7, 2025
Archers’ Metabolic Dietary Disorders Association Fundraiser Date: Saturday 28th June 2025, Time: 5pm – 7.30pmVenue: Mt Gravatt Bowls Club, 1873 Logan Road, Upper Mt Gravatt, Qld 4122Cost: $45 adult, $20 children 5-12 years, Children 0-4 years freeAll tickets include...
May 6, 2025
MDDA is pleased to share this important research opportunity for parents and caregivers to help shape the future of dietetic care for children. Are you a parent or caregiver whose child has received care from a dietitian? We’d love to hear your thoughts! We’re...
The February edition of our e-news is here! This month, we’re recognising Rare Disease Day, celebrating a huge advocacy win for low-protein milk on the PBS, and looking ahead to an exciting 2025—including Retreat planning! Read it here now! Stay connected, stay...
Location: Fairmont Resort, Blue MountainsDate: November 21-23, 2025 Join us for an unforgettable weekend at the 2025 MDDA National Family Retreat, held at the stunning Fairmont Resort in the Blue Mountains! This annual event is a special opportunity for individuals...
Advocacy isn’t easy, but for MDDA, it’s essential. The availability of low-protein milk substitutes under the PBS has been uncertain, creating unnecessary stress for individuals and families managing a low protein diet due to Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEMs). MDDA...
The Metabolic Dietary Disorders Association (MDDA), along with patients and clinicians, are profoundly disappointed by Moderna’s sudden decision to withdraw the Australian clinical trial for Methylmalonic Acidemia (MMA) and are calling for Moderna to urgently...
📢 Community Announcement: NutriciaStore Website Update 📢 We’re sharing an update from Nutricia regarding the NutriciaStore website (www.nutriciastore.com.au). For those in our community who rely on NutriciaStore for low-protein ‘Loprofin’ products, here’s what you...