Infants with galactosemia cannot consume galactose. What should the mother do?

Infants with galactosemia cannot consume galactose. What should the mother do?

• A. Stop breastfeeding immediately.
• B. Continue to breastfeed her infant.
• C. Supplement breast milk with formula.
• D. Give the infant cow's milk formula.

Answer: (A)

Infants with galactosemia cannot metabolize galactose, a component of lactose. Breast milk and most ordinary infant formulas contain lactose, which breaks down into galactose. If galactose builds up in the body, it can cause serious problems such as liver disease, infection, cataracts, and growth issues. To prevent this damage, any source of galactose must be removed. The mother should stop breastfeeding immediately and switch to a galactose-free formula (for example, a soy-based or other lactose-free formula). Cow's milk formula also contains lactose and is not suitable. Once a galactose-free diet is started, the infant’s prognosis improves with careful medical management.

Infants with galactosemia cannot metabolize galactose, a component of lactose. Breast milk and most ordinary infant formulas contain lactose, which breaks down into galactose. If galactose builds up in the body, it can cause serious problems such as liver disease, infection, cataracts, and growth issues. To prevent this damage, any source of galactose must be removed. The mother should stop breastfeeding immediately and switch to a galactose-free formula (for example, a soy-based or other lactose-free formula). Cow's milk formula also contains lactose and is not suitable. Once a galactose-free diet is started, the infant’s prognosis improves with careful medical management.