Why Does Phenylalanine Affect the Brain?
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4 min read
According to the Mayo Clinic, the inherited metabolic disorder Phenylketonuria (PKU) affects approximately 1 in 15,000 people in the United States. This condition primarily affects the brain due to the inability to properly metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine, leading to toxic levels that disrupt normal neurological function. This article explores the precise reasons why phenylalanine affects the brain, detailing the biochemical processes at play and their resulting cognitive and behavioral consequences.
