Galactosemia

Galactosemia is an inherited disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme necessary to breakdown galactose, a sugar found in many foods such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. People with galactosemia cannot process galactose and will experience a range of symptoms, including seizures, vomiting, and jaundice. Without treatment, this condition can lead to serious health problems such as liver failure and intellectual disability. Galactosemia is treated by avoiding foods that contain galactose, and in some cases, supplements may be administered to aid in metabolism. This disorder is important to be aware of as it can be life-threatening and diagnosis and early intervention are key to managing it.