What is phenylketonuria (PKU)? Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited disorder of metabolism that causes an increase in the blood of a chemical known as phenylalanine. Phenylalanine comes from a person's diet and is used by the body to make proteins. Phenylalanine is found in all food proteins and in some artificial sweeteners.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn error of metabolism that can be diagnosed during the first days of life with routine newborn screening. PKU is characterized by absence or deficiency of an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), responsible for processing the amino acid phenylalanine.

What is phenylketonuria (PKU)? Phenylketonuria is a hereditary metabolic disorder. Children with PKU are born without the enzyme needed to break down phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is an amino acid (the building blocks of proteins) in many foods and drinks. Normally, your body breaks down and gets rid of extra phenylalanine.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn error of metabolism that results in decreased metabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine. Untreated PKU can lead to intellectual disability, seizures, behavioral problems, and mental disorders. It may also result in a musty smell and lighter skin.