UNDERSTANDING PHENYLKETONURIA (PKU)

Phenylketonuria PKU is a rare inherited disorder. It affects the organism's ability to metabolize an amino acid called phenylalanine. Typically, the organs makes an enzyme known as phenylalanine hydroxylase, which changes phenylalanine into tyrosine. In those suffering from PKU, this enzyme is function properly. As a result, phenylalanine accumulat