Galactosemia

What is it?

Galactose- high levels, usually a lack of an enzyme to metabolize galactose, present from birth
An inborn error of metabolism; necessitates the removal of all food sources of galactose
Mothers- are not encouraged to breast feed

Babies- 1 out of 50,000 to 70,000 born without this enzyme
Appearance- normal at birth, few days or weeks- jaundice, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, normal growth stops
Liver- enlarged, excess amount of protein/amino acids in urine, body retains fluids- may need lower sodium talk with your Physician
If no treatment- child becomes mentally retarded, short stature, cataracts, death
Child’s IQ- lower than siblings, frequently have speech problems
Girls- normally have problems conceiving
Galactose- is converted to glucose in the liver, legumes contain galactose
During lactation- body converts glucose to galactose to form breast milk
Diet- to lower Red Blood Cell galactose and galactose-1-phosphate to near normal levels
Prevent buildup- in brain, eyes, liver, kidney, tissues

See your Health Care Provider- immediately
Eliminate- milk/milk products, lactose, nonfat dry milk solids, casein, whey, whey solids, also found in some fruit and vegetables, seaweed
Acceptable- lactate, lactic acid, lactalbumin
Avoid if pregnant- galactose can cross to fetus, can cause cataracts
See a Registered Dietitian- on line with FFF or see a local RD for help with meal planning
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