Galactosemia is an inborn error of metabolism caused by a deficiency in the GALT (galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase) enzyme.
Infants diagnosed with classic galactosemia must avoid breastmilk, infant formulas containing lactose, all dairy products, casein or whey-containing foods and medications or foods with added lactose and galactose. Breastfeeding is contraindicated in infants with classic galactosemia. According to the AAP, there are no other infant conditions for which breastfeeding is contraindicated.
Breastfeeding is not contraindicated in Duarte variant galactosemia (Carlock et al., 2019).
Provider Resources
Patient Resources
- Patient Fact Sheet, Galactosemia
- Galactosemia Diet Resources, Galactosemia Foundation
