Question 1

do medications treat galactosemia?

Accepted Answer

No:: Galactosemia is treated by removing foods that contain galactose from the diet. Foods containing lactose, thereby containing galactose, should be avoided. Untreated galactosemia will result in a harmful build-up of galactose and galactose-1-phosphate (a form of galactose) in the bloodstream and body tissues. Not treated, infants can develop cataracts, liver disease and kidney problems.

Question 2

how does galactosemia affect you?

Accepted Answer

See below:: Infants with unrecognized galactosemia usually have problems with feeding and do not grow as well. Untreated, infants can develop cataracts, liver disease/kidney problems. Build-up of galactose and galactose-1-phosphate can cause brain damage, and in some cases, can lead to death. Even with treatment, some children may develop learning disabilities.With dietary management-most enjoy good health!

Question 3

is galactosemia serious for women?

Accepted Answer

See Below:: A female with galactosemia is at increased risk for premature ovarian insufficiency/failure.

Question 4

what are the symptoms of galactosemia?

Accepted Answer

Infantile cataracts: Milk sugar is converted into galactose and this, under genetic control, is converted into glucose, the fuel of the brain. In this disease the gene is recessive and has to be inherited from both parents. Galactose accumulates in the blood and it is this that results in cataracts. There is also mental retardation. Prevention is easy. Avoid milk and any foods containing galactose from birth on.

Question 5

is it possible for a baby devolop galactosemia?

Accepted Answer

If genes present: Galactosemia ( presence of excessive galactose in the blood) can develop in an infant born without the genes that codes for galactase, the enzyme that breaks down galactose. Removal of galactose from the diet (this is the sugar in mothers milk), will prevent the problem & its many bad effects on the body.

Question 6

how many people, what age suffer from galactosemia?

Accepted Answer

See below:: Classic galactosemia occurs in approximately 1 of 60, 000 live births. However, the reported incidence of galactosemia varies geographically from 1 in 30, 000 to 40, 000 in europe to 1 in 1 million in japan. The estimated incidence in the United States is 1 in 53, 000.
It occurs in the neonatal/infancy age group.

Question 7

what can i do to care for a baby with galactosemia?

Accepted Answer

Watch the diet: Most babies with galactosemia do great if they stick to a specific diet. In particular, avoiding regular cow's milk is very important. For this condition, soy is a good option. Also, working with a genetic nutritionist who can make recommendations on which foods to avoid once your baby is eating solid foods will help to avoid problems due to this enzyme deficiency.

Question 8

why is galactosemia so much more common than frutosemia?

Accepted Answer

No good answer.: It is just a statistical fact. Geneticists may have a possible answer in the future, but there is no medical reason I am aware of. Of course it is identified since galactose is consumed as a humans in many food, especially milk which contains lactose---glucose/glactose.

Question 9

what daily activity would be difficult for someone with galactosemia?

Accepted Answer

Food selection: Galactosemia is a rare genetic defect of digestion that prevents the body from breaking down simple sugars - especially lactose - into energy units. This leads to a build up of toxins that can affect several organs and lead to permanent damage. Here's an article I reviewed that should help guide you to more information.

http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=galactosemia

Question 10

will a person who has galactosemia need a wheelchair or another advice to help him move?

Accepted Answer

No: Galactosemia is not diagnosed at birth, long before any damage is done.  Eliminating milk from the diet protects from any harm.

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Do medications treat galactosemia?

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Will a person who has galactosemia need a wheelchair or another advice to help him move?

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