Learning to Take His Vitamins

When Paul Biderman was born, he had trouble gaining weight. He grew sicker and, at about six months, he was diagnosed with the ultra-rare genetic disease abetalipoproteinemia, a condition that impairs a person’s ability to absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins. The condition requires adherence to a strict diet and a regimen of daily vitamin supplementation, which he didn’t always follow. Now approaching 60, Biderman suffers from neuropathy in his lower limbs and is losing his eyesight. We spoke to Biderman, chief operating officer and patient liaison for the ABL+ Foundation, about living with ABL, the challenges of obtaining adequate nutrition, and the impact becoming a patient advocate has had on him.