What is Phenylketonuria (PKU)?
Q: What is Phenylketonuria (PKU)?
A: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder (a disease a person is born with) where a person's body cannot break down an amino acid called phenylalanine.
Q: What are amino acids necessary for?
A: Amino acids are necessary to make proteins, an important part of the human body.
Q: Can our bodies make phenylalanine by themselves?
A: No, phenylalanine only comes from the food we eat; our bodies do not make any by themselves.
Q: What is the consequence of PKU?
A: The consequence of PKU is that phenylalanine builds up in the person's blood, which can cause brain damage, intellectual disability, and other serious health problems if left untreated.
Q: Can PKU be treated?
A: Yes, PKU can be treated by following a strict low-phenylalanine diet, which means avoiding certain foods that are high in phenylalanine.
Q: Is PKU preventable?
A: PKU is not preventable since it is a genetic disorder that a person is born with.
Q: Why are proteins important for the human body?
A: Proteins are important for the human body because they help build and repair tissues, make enzymes that aid in digestion, and are part of many hormones and antibodies that help the body fight infection.
