Which formula is NOT recommended for galactosemia?

Which formula is NOT recommended for galactosemia?

• A. Soy-based infant formula
• B. Lactose-free cow's milk infant formula
• C. Hydrolyzed formula
• D. Free amino acid-containing formula

Answer: (B)

In galactosemia, the body cannot metabolize galactose, so the diet must exclude all galactose sources. Lactose-free cow's milk formula removes lactose, but lactose-free products can still contain free galactose because lactose is hydrolyzed into glucose and galactose. That free galactose can accumulate in someone with galactosemia, so this formula is not appropriate. Formulas free of galactose are acceptable: a free amino acid–containing formula contains no lactose or galactose at all, making it suitable. Soy-based formulas also provide no galactose and are commonly used, though they may have other considerations. Hydrolyzed formulas may or may not be lactose-free depending on the product, so they aren’t inherently safe unless specifically lactose-free.

In galactosemia, the body cannot metabolize galactose, so the diet must exclude all galactose sources. Lactose-free cow's milk formula removes lactose, but lactose-free products can still contain free galactose because lactose is hydrolyzed into glucose and galactose. That free galactose can accumulate in someone with galactosemia, so this formula is not appropriate.

Formulas free of galactose are acceptable: a free amino acid–containing formula contains no lactose or galactose at all, making it suitable. Soy-based formulas also provide no galactose and are commonly used, though they may have other considerations. Hydrolyzed formulas may or may not be lactose-free depending on the product, so they aren’t inherently safe unless specifically lactose-free.