Question
The intellectual disability associated with PKU is preventable with:
- removal of environmental toxins.
- blood transfusions.
- a special diet.
- antibiotics.
The Correct Answer is C.
PKU (phenylketonuria) involves an inability to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine. Intellectual disability and other symptoms of PKU can be reduced or eliminated by a diet low in phenylalanine beginning at birth.
Answer A: PKU is a recessive gene disorder which is not related to environmental toxins.
Answer B: PKU is not addressed with blood transfusions.
Answer D: Antibiotics are not used with PKU, as it is not due to infection.