If a child is born with the recessive gene condition of phenylketonuria (PKU), the harmful effect of the condition can be eliminated if the

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PKU is a condition in which the body cannot process the amino acid phenylalanine, which can build up and cause harm to the brain. The harmful effects can be eliminated by changing the child's diet to eliminate foods containing phenylalanine, such as meat, dairy, and certain vegetables. It is important for individuals with PKU to maintain this special diet throughout their lives to prevent intellectual disability and other medical problems. Phenylalanine supplements or a diet high in protein-rich foods would not be appropriate treatments for PKU. Gene therapy is a promising area of research for genetic conditions like PKU, but at this time, it is not a standard treatment for this condition.

If a Child Is Born with the Recessive Gene Condition