UNDERSTANDING PHENYLKETONURIA (PKU)

Phenylketonuria PKU is a rare hereditary disorder. It affects the individual's ability to break down an essential nutrient called phenylalanine. Normally, the liver makes an enzyme designated as phenylalanine hydroxylase, which changes phenylalanine into tyrosine. In individuals with PKU, this enzyme is function properly. As a result, phenylalanine