What are the symptoms of galactosemia?

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.