
Hartnup disorder is an inherited metabolic condition that involves the transport of certain amino acids (for example, tryptophan and histidine) in the small intestine and kidneys.
Hartnup disorder is possibly the most common metabolic condition involving amino acids. It is an inherited condition. A child must inherit the defective gene from both parents in order to be seriously affected.
The condition usually starts between ages 3 - 5 years.
Rezvani I. Defects in Metabolism of Amino Acids. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 85.