Treatment is based on the elimination of galactose from the diet. This may be done in the early neonatal period by stopping breast feeding and by the administration of diets which contain no lactose or galactose, (NutramigenR, PregestimilR). This diet should be strictly followed, and continued for years, and possibly for life. The red blood cell levels of galactose or its metabolites (galactose-1-phosphate) may be used as a monitor to gauge the adherence to the diet and restriction of galactose. It is also recommended that mothers of affected infants be placed on a galactose-free diet during subsequent pregnancies. This may somewhat modify symptoms present at birth. With early therapy, any liver damage which occurred in the first few days of life will nearly completely heal.
Galactosemia should be considered in any jaundiced infant because of beneficial effects of early dietary restriction.