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Phenylketonuria : A Preventable Cause of Mental Retardation

Accession number: 
1961.0025

Producers:

Directors of Photography:

Production Years: 
1961

Languages:

  • English
Film Properties: 
  • 16mm
  • Colour
Length (feet): 
513 (16mm)

Subjects:

Holding Institutions: 

Library and Archives Canada: 16mm.
"Phenylketonuria is a metabolic disorder, causing mental retardation because of the body's inability to convert phenylalanine to tyrosine. It therefore accumulates in the blood. High blood levels of phenylalanine inhibit the formation of serotonia, which plays an important role in brain metabolism. If diagnosed within the first twelve weeks of birth, a low phenylalanine diet will usually improve the condition of the patient."