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 * Zach:** Hello my name is Zach Miner. Phenylketonuria is a destructive genetic disorder that can cause mental retardation.
 * Andrew:**The abbriviation of Phenylketonuria is PKU or an alternitive name is Phenylpyruvic Olgophreaia
 * Zach:** PKU is a metabloic disorder that is caused by the defective enzyme Phenylalanine hydroxyalse. The body can't break down an amino acid, Phenylanine. People with PKU have to live on a special diet and they will have neurological problems.
 * Andrew:** you may ask what a genetic disorder is. A genetic disorder is an inherrited disease, that happens when a gene mutates or an abnormalite in the chromosome. At least 1 out of 3 chldren in a pediactrice hospital are there because of heredity disorders. Genetherapy can happen where they replace the bad cells and replace them with healthier or healthy cells. 7% of the US population suffers from a genetic disorder.
 * Zach:** PKU is a rare disease. Approximatley 1 out of 10,000 babies are born with this disorder. PKU is more common in eastern Europeans or caucasians.
 * Andrew:** PKU is caused by the a defective enzyme Phenlylalanine hydroxyalse.This enzyme normally converts the essential amino acid, Phenylanine, into another amino acid, Tyrosine. When this doesn't happen it can result in a buildup of Phenylalanine.
 * Zach:** There are real no symptoms of the PKU. The doctors usally check for the disorder when the baby is born if any parents have a history with it. If the disorder isn't checked on when the baby is born it might cause mental retardation.
 * Andrew:** There are treatments for the disorder that can help. The most popular treatment is a diet that eliminates all high protien foods. Some of the foods are eggs, polutry, fish, nuts, milk, cheese, icecream, meat, and any other foods containing regular flour. You can by the formula that is used with the diet, but it is very expensive.
 * Zach:** People with PKU that are untreated will live but, will live with problems such as mental retardation. People that have been treated will live too, but will have to live on a strict diet.
 * Andrew:** Most genetic counclers will say to a couple with two carriers that there will be a 1/4(25%) chance of them having a child with PKU.
 * Zach:** If you are looking for more help or want more info you could go to the support groups, Kansas PKU Network at 785-885-4435, the Childrens PKU Network at 858-509-0767, and the South Dakota Support Group at 605-996-4000. if you are looking for a support group near you go to www.pku.com.
 * Both:** Please get your child an appointment to check for this disease because we both have loved ones with this disease and we don't want any body else to suffer from this disease. Please take this into consideration.