Question
Does galactosemia have a genetic component?
Answer
The treatment for galactosemia typically involves dietary control, with the avoidance of foods containing lactose such as breast milk, milk, dairy products, and animal viscera. Infants can be fed soy milk as an alternative to cow’s milk or breast milk. Regular monitoring of blood levels for galactose and galactose-1-phosphate is necessary. Dietary control alone is not sufficient for complete recovery from this condition. The primary source of galactose in food is lactose found in milk. Its content is low, and it is best to combine medication with diet.