What is the only way to treat galactosemia? What formula should be used in infants with galactosemia?

• A. Eliminate galactose from the diet; Soy-based infant formulas are substitutes for milk in galactosemia
• B. Increase galactose intake
• C. Use lactose-free cow's milk
• D. Use regular cow's milk

Answer: (A)

Galactosemia is managed by removing galactose from the diet to prevent the toxic buildup of galactose and its metabolites. Since lactose in milk is made of galactose and glucose, infants with galactosemia must receive nutrition without galactose. Soy-based infant formulas are lactose-free and provide a galactose-free source of nutrition, making them the appropriate substitute for milk in these infants. Increasing galactose intake would worsen the condition, and regular cow’s milk contains galactose, while lactose-free cow’s milk can still release galactose, so neither is suitable.