Inherited metabolic disorder – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, May 24, 2018 by Michelle Simmons

Inherited metabolic disorder, also known as inborn error of metabolism, is a genetic disorder of biochemistry. An inherited metabolic disorder may be in the form of albinism, cystinuria, phenylketonuria, and some forms of gout, sun sensitivity, and thyroid disease. The term “inborn error of metabolism” was coined in 1908 by the British physician and pioneer in medical genetics Sir Archibald Garrod.

Known side effects of inherited metabolic disorder

The side effects of an inherited metabolic disorder vary according to the specific disorder. In general, affected individuals have a poor appetite or unusual food preferences, may fail to thrive, may be lethargic, and may experience developmental delays. In some cases, side effects are confused with those of other diseases or disorders, leading to delayed diagnosis. Other side effects of inherited metabolic disorders include breathing problems, such as apnea or tachypnea, failure to gain weight, jaundice, seizures, abnormal odor of urine, breath, saliva, or sweat, and coma.

Body systems harmed by inherited metabolic disorder

The body systems harmed by an inherited metabolic disorder depend on the specific disorder.

List of foods or nutrients that prevent inherited metabolic disorder

There is no information on what foods or nutrients prevent inherited metabolic disorder. However, there are foods that can help improve metabolism. These include foods rich in protein, such as meat, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds; foods rich in iron, zinc, and selenium; chili peppers; coffee; tea; legumes and pulses; metabolism-boosting spices, such as ginger and cayenne pepper; cacao; apple cider vinegar; coconut oil; water; and seaweed.

Treatments, management plans for inherited metabolic disorder

The goals of treatment for patients with an inherited metabolic disorder include prevention of further accumulation of harmful substances, correction of metabolic abnormalities, and elimination of toxic metabolites. Treatments depend on the specific condition. Some methods that may help treat inherited metabolic disorders include incorporating special diets to get rid of the intake of food that cannot be metabolized; replacing the missing or inactive enzymes with an enzyme supplement or other supplements to restore the body’s metabolism; removal of toxic chemicals accumulated in the body by treating the blood with purifying chemicals; and gene therapy.

Where to learn more

Summary

Inherited metabolic disorder is a genetic disorder of biochemistry.

Inherited metabolic disorder causes poor appetite, failure to thrive, lethargy, developmental delays, breathing problems, failure to gain weight, jaundice, seizures, abnormal odor of urine, breath, saliva, or sweat, and coma.

Treatments for inherited metabolic disorder include incorporating special diets to get rid of the intake of food that cannot be metabolized; replacing the missing or inactive enzymes with an enzyme supplement or other supplements to restore the body’s metabolism; removal of toxic chemicals accumulated in the body by treating the blood with purifying chemicals; and gene therapy.

Sources include:

EMedicine.Medscape.com

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