Question
Can phenylketonuria be cured? What are the symptoms and timing for treatment?
Answer
Phenylketonuria is a congenital metabolic disease that typically manifests symptoms between 3 to 6 months after birth. Early treatment is crucial, primarily through dietary control, using low-phenylalanine formula milk, and increasing low-protein foods such as starches, vegetables, and fruits during infancy. The intake of phenylalanine should be adjusted according to age and maintained under control until adolescence to keep the blood phenylalanine concentration within the normal range.