Tag: Homogentisic acid

For decades, vitamin C was explored as a therapeutic measure for alkaptonuria (AKU), an inherited metabolic disorder. However, research has revealed that while it may have some antioxidant effects, it does not offer a long-term solution or significantly impact the core issues associated with how does vitamin C help with alkaptonuria? is a question with a complex answer.

For decades, high doses of vitamin C were a common recommendation for managing alkaptonuria, a rare genetic disorder affecting tyrosine metabolism. However, recent research and clinical experience suggest its long-term clinical efficacy is unproven, shifting the focus to more modern therapeutic approaches.

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder, affecting approximately 1 in 250,000 to 1 million people worldwide, that prevents the complete breakdown of two amino acids: phenylalanine and tyrosine. For individuals with this condition, understanding **what foods should you avoid if you have alkaptonuria?** is a critical part of managing their health and preventing complications from the resulting build-up of homogentisic acid (HGA).