In the galactose intolerance diet, individuals should remove milk and dairy products, and all foods containing galactose, such as chickpeas, heart and liver from animals. Galactose is a sugar present in these foods, and people with an intolerance to galactose cannot metabolize this sugar, which ends up accumulating in the blood.
This is a genetic disease and is also known as galactosemia. It is diagnosed through the heel prick test and if left untreated it can cause problems with the liver, kidneys, eyes and the baby's central nervous system.
Foods to Avoid
Galactosemia patients should avoid foods containing galactose, such as:
- Milks, cheeses, yogurts, curds, curd, sour cream; Butter and margarine containing milk as an ingredient; Whey; Ice cream; Chocolate; Fermented soy sauce; Chickpeas; Animal offal: kidneys, heart, liver; Processed or canned meats, such as sausages and tuna, as they normally contain milk or milk proteins as an ingredient; Hydrolyzed milk protein: usually found in canned meat and fish, and in protein supplements; Casein: milk protein added in some foods such as ice cream and soy yogurt; Protein supplements based on milk, such as lactalbumin and calcium caseinate; Monosodium glutamate: additive used in industrialized products such as tomato sauce and hamburger; Products that contain prohibited foods such as cake, milk bread and hot dog.
As galactose can be present in ingredients used in the manufacture of industrialized products, one must look at the label to check whether or not galactose is present. In addition, foods such as beans, peas, lentils and soy beans should be eaten in moderation, as they contain small amounts of galactose. Since galactose is a sugar derived from milk lactose, see also Diet for lactose intolerance.
Foods allowed in the diet
The foods allowed are those without galactose or with a low sugar content, such as fruits, vegetables, wheat, rice, pasta, soft drinks, coffee and teas. People with galactosemia should replace milk and dairy products with soy products such as soy milk and yogurt. In addition, as milk is the main source of calcium in the diet, the doctor or nutritionist can prescribe calcium supplements, according to the individual's needs. See which foods are rich in calcium without milk.
It is also important to remember that there are different types of galactose intolerance, and that the diet varies depending on the type of the disease and the results of blood tests that measure the amount of galactose in the body.
Symptoms of galactose intolerance
Symptoms of galactosemia are mainly:
- Vomiting; Diarrhea; Lack of energy; Swollen belly; Growth delay; Yellow skin and eyes.
It is important to remember that if treatment is not carried out as soon as the disease is diagnosed, problems such as mental retardation and blindness can occur, impairing the child's physical and mental development.
Baby care
Babies with galactosemia cannot be breastfed and must be fed soy milk or soy-based milk formulas. At the stage when solid foods are introduced to the diet, friends, family and the school should be informed about the baby's diet, so that he does not eat foods containing galactose. Caregivers should read all food packaging and labels, making sure that they do not contain galactose.
In addition, it is necessary that the baby is accompanied throughout life by the pediatrician and nutritionist, who will monitor their growth and indicate nutritional supplements, if necessary. See more in What the baby with galactosemia should eat.
