Which option is NOT recommended for galactosemia?

Which option is NOT recommended for galactosemia?

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

Answer: (C)

In galactosemia, the key issue is avoiding galactose, not just lactose. Lactose-free dairy products are made by splitting lactose into glucose and galactose. That reaction leaves free galactose in the product, so a lactose-free cow’s milk infant formula can still expose the infant to galactose. Because of that, it’s not recommended for someone with galactosemia. In contrast, soy-based formula provides nutrition without lactose or galactose, and free amino acid formula is entirely devoid of both lactose and galactose, making them suitable options. Hydrolyzed cow’s milk formulas may still contain lactose unless they’re explicitly lactose-free, so they’re not automatically safe choices in this context.

In galactosemia, the key issue is avoiding galactose, not just lactose. Lactose-free dairy products are made by splitting lactose into glucose and galactose. That reaction leaves free galactose in the product, so a lactose-free cow’s milk infant formula can still expose the infant to galactose. Because of that, it’s not recommended for someone with galactosemia.

In contrast, soy-based formula provides nutrition without lactose or galactose, and free amino acid formula is entirely devoid of both lactose and galactose, making them suitable options. Hydrolyzed cow’s milk formulas may still contain lactose unless they’re explicitly lactose-free, so they’re not automatically safe choices in this context.