If I have family with an inherited metabolic disorder, should I be tested?

Inherited metabolic disorders are the result of a gene mutation. They occur when a genetic defect affects certain enzymes in the body that are necessary to break down food. In most cases, both parents must carry the metabolic gene defect to pass a disorder onto their child. People who have family members with an inherited metabolic disorder should receive genetic testing, however. Even if you do not have the disorder yourself, you could pass the defect onto your child.