Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, meaning it cannot be manufactured by the human body and must be obtained from outside sources. The body metabolizes phenylalanine and turns it into an amino acid called tyrosine, which, in turn, makes certain hormones for the body. A rare disorder called Phenylketonuria (PKU) occurs when the body is not able to metabolize phenylalanine; this can lead to irreversible mental retardation if not treated. All newborns are tested for the disease within the first 48 hours of life.
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