Treatment:

People with this condition must avoid all milk, milk-containing products (including dry milk), and other foods that contain galactose for life. It is essential to read product labels and be an informed consumer.

Infants can be fed with:

• Soy formula
• Meat-based formula or Nutramigen (a protein hydrolysate formula)
• Another lactose-free formula

Calcium supplements are recommended.

Support Groups:

Parents of Galactosemic Children, Inc.

www.galactosemia.org

Expectations (prognosis):

People who get an early diagnosis and strictly avoid milk products can live a relatively normal life. However, mild intellectual impairment may develop, even in people who avoid galactose.

Complications:

• Cataracts
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Death (if there is galactose in the diet)
• Delayed speech development
• Irregular menstrual periods, reduced function of ovaries leading to ovarian failure
• Mental retardation
• Severe infection with bacteria (E. coli sepsis)
• Tremors and uncontrollable motor functions

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if:

• Your infant has a combination of galactosemia symptoms
• You have a family history of galactosemia and are considering having children