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Phenylalanine (Phe) Unit Converter
Phenylalanine (Phe) is an essential amino acid. Its levels are critical in the diagnosis and management of **Phenylketonuria (PKU)**, a genetic disorder where the body cannot properly metabolize phenylalanine.
Clinically, strict monitoring of serum Phe levels is required to prevent neurological damage in patients with PKU. This converter facilitates switching between the standard mass units (mg/dL) used in the US and the SI molar units (µmol/L) used in Europe and research.
Mass Units
StandardMilligrams per deciliter (US Standard).
SI / Molar Units
Clinical Context
Reference Ranges:
• Normal (Non-PKU): < 2 mg/dL (or < 120 µmol/L).
• PKU Therapeutic Target: Generally 2 – 6 mg/dL (120 – 360 µmol/L) for children and during pregnancy.
Conversion Logic:
Molecular Weight of Phenylalanine: ~165.19 g/mol.
1 mg/dL ≈ 60.54 µmol/L.
1 µmol/L ≈ 0.0165 mg/dL.
Clinical References
How to Use This Converter
Follow these steps to normalize Phenylalanine values.
Enter Values
Input your laboratory results into the corresponding unit field (e.g., mg/dL).
Automatic Conversion
The calculator converts between mass units and the SI molar unit (µmol/L).
Reset
Use the Clear button to reset all fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Newborns are screened for elevated Phe to detect PKU. If positive, lifelong dietary restriction of phenylalanine is necessary to prevent intellectual disability.
Yes. Micromolar (µM) is equivalent to µmol/L.