Metabolic disorders are hereditary, which means that they are usually caused by genetic problems that both parents pass on to their child. The body uses chemicals called enzymes to break down substances in food like carbohydrates, proteins, or fats. However, in some cases, a genetic abnormality may affect how an enzyme works, or it may prevent the body from making the enzyme at all. This can cause a buildup of certain substances that should be broken down or a lack of certain materials that should be made, which results in a metabolic disorder.
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