Download or read book Penny The Penguin Has PKU written by Laurie Bernstein and published by AuthorHouse. This book was released on 2012-10 with total page 23 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Phenylketonuria (pronounced fee-nill-key-toe-NURR-ee-uh) or PKU is a rare, inherited metabolic disorder. Each year, approximately 1 in 14,000 newborn babies are diagnosed with PKU. If you have PKU, your body cannot break down, or metabolize, the essential amino acid, phenylalanine (Phe). Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. The primary treatment for PKU is a special metabolic formula and the restriction of foods high in Phe (protein), such as meats, cheeses, milk, bread and pasta. Life-long dietary compliance is a critical component for proper growth and development in children and quality of life in adults. We hope Penny The Penguin can help your child on this "diet for life" journey.