Galactosemia
Definition
Galactosemia is an inherited disease in which the body is unable to metabolize the simple sugar galactose, which is found primarily in dairy products but is also produced by the body. If left unaddressed, galactose can increase to toxic levels in the body and may lead to damage of the liver, central nervous system, and various other body systems.
Description
Galactosemia is a rare but potentially life-threatening disease resulting from the body's inability to metabolize galactose. Galactose makes up half of lactose, the sugar that is found in milk. Persons with galactosemia either have very low levels of or are entirely lack the enzyme that assists the body in breaking down galactose. This enzyme is called galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT). The GALT enzyme enables...
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