Galactosemia is a rare genetic disease that prevents the body from breaking down galactose, a type of sugar found in dairy products. Infants with this disorder require a specialized formula, usually soy-based or Nutramigen, a specially developed type of protein. Parents should consult their pediatricians and watch their baby closely during the first few weeks on a new formula to determine the brand that works best with their digestive needs.
To choose the best infant formula for galactosemia, parents can try different types of formula on their babies as long as they don’t contain milk proteins or milk sugars. These formulas are usually soy-based or use Nutramigen, a specially developed type of protein that is easy for babies to digest. Parents should consult their pediatricians and watch their baby closely during his or her first few weeks on a new formula to determine the brand that works best with his or her digestive needs.
Galactosemia is a rare genetic disease that affects individuals from birth. It prevents the body from breaking down galactose, a type of sugar found in all dairy products, into glucose, so that it can be used by the body for energy. As galactose builds up in the affected person’s bloodstream, it acts like a poison, intoxicating the body. Side effects of galactosemia can include cataracts, enlarged liver, kidney failure, and permanent brain damage. In many countries, doctors test all newborn babies born in hospitals for this disorder soon after birth as part of a standard set of blood tests.
Babies born with this disorder require a specialized formula for galactosemia. They cannot ingest breast milk or standard formula, which is typically made from lactose-containing dairy products. Once solid foods have been introduced into the diet, parents must be careful to avoid buying foods that have been made with dairy, milk protein, or lactose-containing products to avoid triggering intolerance in the child.
One type of formula commonly used for infants with galactosemia is one made from soy products. These formulas use soy protein, rather than milk protein, to provide the baby with all the nutrients it will need during its first year of life. Additional nutrients may include vitamins A, D, K and E, as well as vital minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and potassium. They are both dairy-free and lactose-free and are usually easier for babies to digest than other types of milk-based formula. They are also designed to reduce the amount of gas a child experiences as a byproduct of digestion and tend to ease fussiness after a meal.
Babies who are allergic to soy products may not be able to digest a soy-based formula any easier than a milk-based formula. In such situations, doctors often recommend a product known as Nutramigen®. This type of formula for galactosemia consists of hydrolyzed proteins, which are easier to digest than soy or milk proteins. It also contains probiotics, which increase the amount of healthy bacteria present in a newborn’s stomach and intestinal lining.
It is usually not possible to determine which type of formula for galactosemia will work best with a newborn’s digestion. Doctors often advise their patients about one another, based on their personal preferences and experience working with other children with this disorder. Parents may try one type of formula, only to find that their baby has an allergic reaction to it and must then switch to another type until the reaction dissipates. This kind of trial and error is usually the best method for determining which formula is best for each child.
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