Newborns are routinely screened for which condition that requires a strict dietary regimen?

• A. Cystic fibrosis
• B. Phenylketonuria
• C. Sickle cell anemia
• D. Spina bifida

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is Phenylketonuria (PKU) because it is a genetic disorder that affects the metabolism of phenylalanine, an amino acid found in many foods. Newborns are screened for PKU because if it is not detected early and managed through dietary modifications, high levels of phenylalanine can accumulate in the body, leading to severe intellectual disability and other neurological issues.

The screening is generally done through a simple blood test shortly after birth, and if a newborn is found to have PKU, immediate dietary intervention is crucial. This typically includes a low-phenylalanine diet, which restricts or eliminates high-protein foods that contain this amino acid, thereby preventing potential developmental problems.

In contrast, while cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and spina bifida are all serious conditions that can affect newborns, they do not primarily require strict dietary regimens as part of their management. Cystic fibrosis involves respiratory and digestive complications that can be managed with enzyme supplements and other treatments, sickle cell anemia focuses on pain management and prevention of complications, and spina bifida requires surgical intervention and therapy but does not center on dietary restrictions.