What is maternal PKU?
PKU is the acronym for a condition called phenylketonuria.
People who have it can't properly process the amino acid
phenylalanine, which is found in many high-protein foods such as
fish, nuts and some poultry. The condition (PKU) can sometimes
result from radiation, the ingestion of certain chemicals and
medications, and infection. Mothers who have the condition
(maternal PKU) must follow a strict diet during (and highly
suggested even before) pregnancy to avoid infant PKU, which can
cause mental retardation, congenital heart disease and other health
problems.