A build-up of this substance can damage a baby's brain and cause mental retardation. If a baby with PKU is treated early in life, mental retardation can be prevented. The treatment included a special formula and diet which have only small amounts of phenylalanine. Hypothyroidism - Hypothyroidism is caused when a baby's body does not make enough thyroid hormone. The baby born with hypothyroidism may look normal at first but gradually shows stunted growth and mental retardation.
Treatment includes giving a baby a tablet each day to replace the missing thyroid hormone.
Early treatment can help prevent the damage caused by this disease. Galactosemia - Babies with this disease cannot use the part of mild sugar call galactose. Treatment consists of feeding the baby a diet which contains no galactose. If treated early, brain and liver damage as well as the other effects can be prevented. The child with sickle cell anemia may have severe infections and attacks of pain.