Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid (building block of protein) that the body doesn't produce, meaning it must be obtained through food. It is found in protein-rich foods. Your body uses ...

Phenylalanine is metabolized to produce maleylacetoacetate in a four-step biochemical reaction. Absence of the enzyme homogentisate oxidase causes the buildup of homogentisate, leading to the ...