Tag: Phenylalanine toxicity

According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, untreated phenylketonuria (PKU), a disorder caused by too much phenylalanine, can lead to irreversible brain damage and intellectual disabilities, starting within months of birth. Understanding what happens if you have too much phenylalanine is critical for effective diagnosis and lifelong management.

According to research from MedlinePlus Genetics, the accumulation of high levels of the amino acid phenylalanine is often linked to the inherited disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). This condition primarily manifests in those with a genetic inability to process phenylalanine effectively, leading to potentially toxic levels that can significantly harm the brain and nervous system.