Since people with galactosemia cannot process galactose
correctly, treatment consists of lowering the level of galactose in
the body. That can be done by not eating or drinking anything
with milk in it.
Some of the food we eat has lactose in it. Lactose contains
galactose. The main source of lactose is milk. That is why not
eating or drinking anything with milk in it will lower the level of galactose in the body
and help people with galactosemia.
As soon as a newborn is diagnosed with galactosemia, lactose-based milk or formula
is immediately stopped. The baby can have soy formula or other formulas that do not
contain lactose. Treatment for galactosemia is life-long. People who have it can never
eat or drink anything with milk in it.
Severe symptoms in babies and children can be prevented by not feeding them
anything with dairy products in it. If dairy is eliminated from the diet, a person with
galactosemia can expect to live a pretty healthy life.
Some long-term effects of galactosemia cannot be prevented. For example,
galactosemic girls’ and women’s ovaries may not function normally. Galactosemic
women may have ovarian failure. Some people with galactosemia have learning or
speech problems, even if they are treated.