November 1, 2015

Did you know that a day after a baby is born, the baby is screened for PKU? PKU stands for phenylketonuria. It is a genetic disorder that results in the buildup of phenylalanine because of a dysfunctional enzyme. Leaving the condition untreated can cause developmental problems in children. PKU is an autosomal recessive disorder. For those of you who didn't take genetics, it means you need two parents to each contribute a copy of the mutated gene. Now how does one go about treating this disorder? You have to avoid foods high in protein. For babies, it means limiting the amount of breast milk and formula milk. However a dietician and physician will help plan out your diet, and recommend formulas and supplements.