What happens when galactosemia is treated?
Because the body also makes some galactose, symptoms cannot be completely avoided by removing all lactose and galactose from the diet. Researchers are working on finding a treatment to lower the amount of galactose made by the body, but there is no effective method to do so at this time. When treatment starts before a baby is 10 days old, there is a much better chance for normal growth, development and intelligence. Some children who receive early treatment may have delays in growth but most attain normal adult heights. Even with careful treatment from an early age, some children with classic galactosemia show delays in learning and development and may need extra help in school. Some children develop speech and language delays. Some have delays in motor skills such as walking and coordination and balance problems. Some children have behavior changes that may include attention difficulties, low motivation, or shyness. Even when carefully treated, girls with galactosemia have a higher ch
