Is breastfeeding contraindicated in infants with galactosemia?

Understanding Galactosemia and Breastfeeding
Galactosemia is a rare genetic disorder that affects an infant’s ability to metabolize galactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. This condition arises from a deficiency in one of the enzymes responsible for breaking down galactose, leading to potentially serious health complications if not managed properly. Given the nature of this disorder, the question arises: Is breastfeeding contraindicated in infants diagnosed with galactosemia?
Breastfeeding and Galactosemia
The consensus among medical professionals is clear: breastfeeding is contraindicated in infants with galactosemia. This is primarily due to the presence of lactose in breast milk, which is composed of glucose and galactose. When an infant with galactosemia consumes breast milk, the unmetabolized galactose can accumulate in their system, leading to severe health issues, including liver damage, cataracts, and intellectual disabilities.
In practical terms, once a newborn is diagnosed with galactosemia, immediate action is required. Healthcare providers typically recommend that breastfeeding be discontinued right away. Instead, a lactose-free formula is introduced to ensure that the infant receives adequate nutrition without the harmful effects of galactose accumulation.
Variants of Galactosemia
It’s important to note that there are different forms of galactosemia, including the Duarte variant. In cases of Duarte variant galactosemia, some studies suggest that breastfeeding may not be contraindicated, as these infants may have a milder form of the disorder and can tolerate small amounts of lactose. However, this should always be approached with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
In summary, for infants diagnosed with classic galactosemia, breastfeeding is not safe and should be avoided to prevent serious health complications. Parents and caregivers should work closely with healthcare providers to determine the best feeding options for their infants, ensuring that nutritional needs are met without risking the child’s health.

What are the precautions for galactosemia?

People with galactosemia have to avoid dairy products, breast milk and most baby formulas. Galactosemia can be life-threatening to infants if they aren’t diagnosed quickly.

In which condition is breastfeeding contraindicated in infants?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.

Is PKU a contraindication for breastfeeding?

A person with PKU can breastfeed. PKU is not transmitted in breastmilk. If a baby does not have PKU, the available data suggests that the baby’s body is able to breakdown the Phe in breast milk. It is important to remain on a special diet while breastfeeding the baby to minimize exposure to high levels of Phe.

Is galactosemia the only permanent contraindication to breastfeeding?

The only true contraindications to breastfeeding are the following: infants with classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency) mothers, in the US, who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Is breastfeeding contraindicated when the mother is diagnosed with mastitis?

Mothers with mastitis or breast abscesses should be encouraged to continue breastfeeding (5,7,9).

Can infants with galactosemia breastfeed?

Mothers should not breastfeed or feed expressed breast milk to their infants if: Their infant is diagnosed with classic galactosemia, a rare genetic metabolic disorder.

When should breastfeeding be avoided?

Are there any special conditions or situations in which I should not breastfeed?

1. Antiretroviral medications (for HIV/AIDS treatment)
2. Birth-control medications containing estrogen, until breastfeeding has been well established.
3. Cancer chemotherapy agents.
4. Illegal drugs.

Under which conditions should breastfeeding be avoided?

The only true contraindications to breastfeeding are the following: Infants with classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency) Mothers, in the US, who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), untreated brucellosis, or suspected or confirmed Ebola virus disease.

What should a child with galactosemia avoid?

A person with galactosemia must avoid foods containing milk and all dairy products, such as: Cow’s milk. Butter. Yogurt.

Can you breastfeed an infant with galactosemia?

Mothers should not breastfeed or feed expressed breast milk to their infants if: Their infant is diagnosed with classic galactosemia, a rare genetic metabolic disorder.