Warning Signs And Progression Of Galactosemia

Galactosemia is a genetic disorder that occurs when the body has trouble processing galactose, a type of simple sugar. Many foods have small amounts of galactose. For the most part, it's a part of lactose, a more common sugar found in many baby formulas and all dairy products. The symptoms occur when the body cannot produce energy using galactose. There are multiple forms of galactosemia, and each is caused by one or more mutations in a certain gene. Different enzymes may be affected, since several enzymes are responsible for breaking down galactose. Type I is the most commonly found and severe. Without prompt treatment, it leads to life-threatening complications in newborns in just a few days. Type II causes fewer medical issues than type I, though affected individuals do develop cataracts. Type III varies in symptom presentation from mild to severe.