Galactosemia is a condition where the body cannot break down the sugar galactose found in milk. Symptoms include jaundice, vomiting, poor weight gain, irritability, and seizures. The treatment is removing all foods containing galactose from the diet through avoiding milk and milk products. There is no cure, but following a strict lactose-free diet can control the condition.

3. GALACTOSE
Galactose in Haworth Projection

7. Symptoms
• Jaundice (yellowish discoloration of the skin and
the whites of the eyes)
• Vomiting
• Poor weight gain
• weariness
• Irritability
• Seizures

9. Major Organs Affected by Galactosemia

10. All About It
 Galactosemia is a condition in which the body is
unable to use the simple sugar galactose which
is mostly in milk.
 The exact name for this gene is Classical
Galactosemia.
 The protein that is coded for by this gene is
called
GALT
(galactose-1-phosphate
uridylyltransferase).

11. Treatment
 The Treatment for Galactosemia is the removal of galactose from
your diet. All lactose products must be totally avoided. Milk and milk
products contain the most amount of lactose; however it is also
present in other foods such as legumes, organ meats and
processed meats.
 Infants will need to be fed with food that is lactose free such as soy
formula, meat-base formula, or Nutramigen (a protein hydrolysate
formula)
 There is no definite cure for Galactosemia, the condition is life long
and it can only be controlled. Doctors advise a calcium supplement
for patients with Galactosemia as Milk is an important source of
calcium for a growing child.

12. Amniocentesis
NewBorn Screening