A SCHOOLBOY with a rare disease that means he cannot eat protein will be having sprouts for his Christmas dinner instead.

       Zac Lee, seven, has never had turkey or a chocolate advent calendar because they could trigger brain damage.

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       Zac Lee has a rare disease meaning he cannot eat protein will be having sprouts for his Christmas dinner instead Credit: Glen Minikin 2

       Zac loves sprouts and eats a ton on Christmas Credit: Glen Minikin

       But unlike most kids he loves sprouts so is planning to enjoy a mountain of them to make his Christmas dinner feel festive.

       Zac has phenylketonuria (PKU) which means his body cannot break down the amino acid phenylalanine.

       If he eats meats or cheeses, protein will build up in his body to toxic levels.

       And if Zac has too much, it can cause irreparable brain damage.

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       So he follows an ultra-low protein diet.

       And for his Christmas day dinner, Zac, of Keighley, West Yorks, will have a plate full of veggies — with an extra helping of sprouts.

       Mum Leanne Summerskill, 36, said: “This time of year is hard.

       "It’s all about food.

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       "We find alternatives as the consequences are severe.

       "But luckily Zac loves Brussels sprouts.”