Phenylketonuria Fund

Phenylketonuria, often called PKU, is an inherited disorder that can cause intellectual and developmental disabilities if not treated. In PKU, the body cannot process a portion of a protein called phenylalanine, which is in all foods containing protein. If the phenylalanine level gets too high, the brain can become damaged. All children born in U.S. hospitals are tested routinely for PKU soon after birth, making it easier to diagnose and treat affected children. Lifelong treatment and dietary restrictions are necessary as there is no cure for PKU currently.