Overview

Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency is an inherited disorder that prevents your body from breaking down certain fats and converting them into energy. As a result, the level of sugar in your blood can drop dangerously low (hypoglycemia). MCAD deficiency is present from birth and is a lifelong condition.

Left untreated, hypoglycemia caused by MCAD deficiency can lead to seizures, breathing difficulties, coma and other serious health problems.

In the U.S., all states test for MCAD deficiency at birth as part of newborn screening. If MCAD deficiency is diagnosed and treated early, the disorder can be well managed through diet and lifestyle.