If a pregnant woman has phenylketonuria

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder that results in the inability to metabolize phenylalanine properly. While adults with PKU, including pregnant women, can usually tolerate higher levels of phenylalanine without significant direct harm to their own health, high levels of phenylalanine can cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus, leading to intellectual disability and other problems. Therefore, it is crucial for pregnant women with PKU to adhere to a strict low-phenylalanine diet to protect the fetus, even though their own brain development is not at risk from their dietary intake at this stage.

If a Pregnant Woman Has Phenylketonuria