Question
What factors or causes lead to phenylalanine metabolic disorder?
Answer
As we age, the intake of phenylalanine used to synthesize proteins in the body gradually decreases. After birth, the daily intake of phenylalanine is about 0.5 grams, increasing to 4 grams in children and adults, most of which is oxidized into tyrosine. This process mainly relies on phenylalanine hydroxylase and also requires cofactors to participate. If this oxidation process is impaired, phenylalanine can accumulate in the body.