Phenylketonuria also referred to as PKU: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare condition in which a baby is born without the ability to properly break down an amino acid called phenylalanine. Children with PKU must follow a diet that limits phenylalanine, which is found mostly in foods that contain protein. Children with PKU often have fair skin and light eyes because phenylalanine cannot transform into melanin, causing a lack of pigment. Babies in the United States and many other countries are screened for phenylketonuria soon after birth; however this is not a standard test in many other countries around the world. A child in an institutionalized setting may not have a diagnosis of PKU and will be fed a regular diet. It is only after symptoms present themselves later that testing may be conducted and an appropriate diet applied. This delay in treatment could cause significant long-term effects such as seizures, developmental delays, hyperactivity, or small head size.
Love Without Boundaries[1]
Links for this Special Need:
http://www.adoptspecialneeds.org/special-needs/metabolic-disorders/#javelin_faq78_64
http://lovepinkroses.blogspot.com/2013/06/china-waiting-children-and-pku.html
https://www.facebook.com/groups/293049187561987/
http://amandacosburn.wordpress.com/
Stories or Blogs from Families who have Parented a Child with PKU:
http://www.aphlblog.org/2012/09/raising-baby-caroline-life-with-pku/
[1] Love Without Boundaries – http://www.adoptspecialneeds.org
