At birth,Sam was found to have a genetically-induced lack of an enzyme.He is placed on a diet,which includes not eating any foods containing Aspartame.This diet will help prevent the development of an intellectual disability.Sam most likely has which condition?
A) fragile X syndrome
B) cretinism
C) Down syndrome
D) phenylketonuria (PKU)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sam most likely has phenylketonuria (PKU), which is a genetically-inherited lack of an enzyme that prevents the breakdown of the amino acid phenylalanine. When foods containing aspartame are consumed, it is metabolized into phenylalanine, which can accumulate in the body and cause intellectual disability if left untreated. A low-phenylalanine diet is necessary for individuals with PKU to prevent intellectual disability. Fragile X syndrome, cretinism, and Down syndrome are not associated with a lack of the same enzyme and do not require the same dietary modifications as those with PKU.

At Birth,Sam Was Found to Have a Genetically-Induced Lack of an Enzyme.He