What is medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency?
Medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (also known as MCAD) deficiency is an inherited condition that affects the way a person’s body breaks down certain fats (medium chain fatty acids). A person with MCAD deficiency cannot breakdown medium chain fatty acids for energy. Consequently, the person’s body begins to fail once the food eaten has been exhausted. In addition, the medium chain fatty acids then build up in the liver and brain. In the case of MCAD deficiency, the inability to break down fats for energy and the build up of fats leads to neurological damage, other serious health problems and even death. About one baby in 12,000 is born with MCAD deficiency in the United States. The condition occurs in all ethnic groups, but it is most common in individuals of Northern European ancestry.
