Treatment

There are currently no known treatment for Galactosemia. This is because even when the infant is not taking up any galactose, the body still produce low amounts of it so symptoms cannot be completely avoided. However, there are ways to avoid worsening the condition. 

Such as: 

1. Lactose and Galactose-free Diet

• Nowadays, a lot of processed and pre-packaged foods often contain lactose.
• Tomato sauces, candies, some fruits and vegetables contains galactose. 
• Certain medications such as tablets, capsules, sweetened liquid drops contains galactose as a filter. 
• Any food or drugs that contains ingredients such as lactulose, casein, caseinate, lactalbumin, curds, why or whey solids.
• Because infants need to be fed milk, they can replace formulated milk/ breast milk that contains galactose with infants can be fed with soy formula, meat-based formula or Nutramigen (a protein hydrolysate formula),another lactose-free formula

 Example of Soy formulated milk

 

Example of Nutramigen milk

2. Calcium supplements

People with Galactosemia do not consume milk products so their calcium intake will be very low. Therefore, they are advised to take calcium supplements to ensure that they receive enough calcium.

Some patients are even advised to take Vitamin D and Vitamin K supplements. 

What happens when galactosemia is treated?

• When treatment starts before baby is 10 days, there is a higher chance for the baby to have growth, development and intelligence. Some might have delays in growth but majority will attain normal adult height.
  
• However, some patients even with early treatment still have delays in learning and development and may need extra help in school. Some might have delays in learning and development and may need extra help in school. Some might have delays in motor skills (walking, coordination, balance etc.), behavior changes that includes attention difficulties , low motivation or shyness. 
• Even with treatment, girls will have higher chance of having delayed periods and having premature ovarian failure

• If treatment starts 10 days after birth, delays or learning problems are more likely to occur
• However, delays varries from children to children
  
  

Content Reference:  http://www.newbornscreening.info/Parents/otherdisorders/Galactosemia.html

Image reference: http://www.toysrus.com/graphics/tru_prod_images/Gerber-Good-Start-Soy-Powder--pTRU1-5026763dt.jpg

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