What infant formula is recommended by AAP for galactosemia?

Answer 1

Lactase is the enzyme that breaks lactose into glucose and galactose, allowing it to be absorbed and used as a fuel source. Occasionally, babies are lactase-deficient, rendering them unable to use lactose as a fuel. Lactose intolerance is rarely inherited (i.e., congenital or primary alactasia), but it is commonly secondary to such problems as viral gastroenteritis. When an infant has experienced lactose intolerance, undigested lactose reaches the intestinal tract and causes diarrhea, bloating, cramping, and flatulence. Products marketed for the lactose-intolerant infant are derived from cow's milk, but are either reduced-lactose or lactose-free formulations.3 They are also used provisionally for temporary relief of cramping and diarrhea in infants recovering from gastroenteritis or infectious diarrhea.3 They can be recommended for infants with galactosemia.2 These products include Enfamil® Gentlease® Lipil® and Similac®Sensitive® other products in this category include Similac® Isomil®, Similac® Isomil®Advance®, Enfamil® Prosobee®, and NESTLÉ® GOOD START® Soy Plus™ and NESTLÉ® ALSOY®.