Galactosemia and Nutrition

Abstract

Since 1945, galactosemia has attracted considerable interest, especially when it was recognized that it led rapidly to irreversible mental disease, the development of which can be prevented by nutritional technics. The disease is inherited, but the precise mode of transmission is not known. Treatment consists of complete exclusion of milk, lactose or galactose-containing foodstuffs, following whatever immediate correction of dehydration and acidosis is needed. The author urges all physicians caring for infants to be alert to the possibility of galactosemia, since early diagnosis and adequate nutritional treatment lessen mortality and reduce the risk of irreversible liver and lenticular damage.