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....

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...
What is PKU? Understanding a Rare and Life‑Changing Condition

What is PKU? Understanding a Rare and Life‑Changing Condition

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...
Support a Lifetime of Impact – Awareness Week Donation Drive

Support a Lifetime of Impact – Awareness Week Donation Drive

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...

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...

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...

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...
MDDA Matters February eNews 2025

MDDA Matters February eNews 2025

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...
2025 NSW National Family Retreat

2025 NSW National Family Retreat

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...
Low-Protein Milk to Remain on the PBS: A Win for Our Community

Low-Protein Milk to Remain on the PBS: A Win for Our Community

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...

Nutricia Store Website Update

📢 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...