part 4 ( dark font is the new information)

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is inherited, which means it is passed down through families. Both parents must pass on the defective gene in order for a baby to have the condition. This is called an autosomal recessive trait.

Babies with PKU are missing an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase, which is needed to break down an essential amino acid called phenylalanine. The substance is found in foods that contain protein.

Without the enzyme, levels of phenylalanine and two closely-related substances build up in the body. These substances are harmful to the central nervous system and cause brain damage.

Symptoms are body's production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color. Therefore, infants with the condition often have lighter skin, hair, and eyes than brothers or sisters without the disease. Other symptoms are: Delayed mental and social skills, Head size significantly below normal, Hyperactivity, Jerking movements of the arms or legs, Mental retardation, Seizures, Skin rashes, Tremors, Unusual positioning of hands. If your children have any of these symptoms you child could be a PKU child. As a parent you do not want to have to ever deal with any of the health problems. Is not only stressful on the parents but on the child as well.