1. Inherited disorder of body chemistry

2.  Through Newborn Screening almost all affected newborns are diagnosed and treated early.  Untreated PKU causes mental retardation  At least 1 baby in 25,000 is born with PKU in the United States

3.  Individuals with PKU can not process a protein called phenylalanine which is found in most foods.  With out treatment phenylalanine builds up in the bloodstream and causes brain damage and mental retardation.  ALL babies are tested for PKU in the United States before they leave the hospital. The baby’s heel is pricked and a few drops are taken for testing.

4.  A special diet can help prevent PKU. ( very restricted)  In 2007 the FDA approved KUVAN as the first drug to help manage PKU.