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Blood Phenylalanine Level

Blood phenylalanine level measures the amount of phenylalanine, an essential amino acid, present in your bloodstream. Normally, your body converts phenylalanine into other important compounds, but in conditions like phenylketonuria (PKU), this process is impaired, causing phenylalanine to build up. High levels can be harmful, especially to the brain, leading to developmental issues if untreated. Monitoring these levels helps healthcare providers manage and adjust diets or treatments to keep phenylalanine within a safe range, supporting overall health and preventing complications.