Galactosemia Level 3 2

Galactosemia
What is it?
*Galactosemia- High Blood Level of Galactose, usually Lack of an
Enzyme necessary for Metabolizing Galactose, Present from Birth
*An inborn error of metabolism- Necessitates the Removal of all
Food Sources of Galactose (Legumes)
Facts:
*1 out of 50,000 to 70,000 Babies- is born without this Enzyme
*Appears Normal at Birth- within a few days/weeks develops
jaundice, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, Stops Growing
*Liver- becomes Enlarged, Tissue Swells, Body Retains Fluids
*No Treatment- Child becomes Mentally Retarded, Remains Short,
Develops Cataracts
*IQ- Lower than Siblings, frequently have Speech Problems
*Girls- normally have Problems Conceiving
*Galactose- is converted to glucose in the liver
*During lactation- the human body converts glucose to galactose
to form breast milk
What do I need to do?
*See a Physician
*Eliminate Milk/Milk Products- also found in some Fruits,
Vegetables, Seaweed, Galactose must be avoided if pregnant, if not
the galactose can cross to fetus and cause cataracts
*See a Registered Dietitian- on line *RD- Meal Planning