Question

Breast milk is absolutely contraindicated in which of the following inborn errors of metabolism?

A) Phenylketouria
B) Galactosemia
C) Hypothyroidism
D) Sickle cell anemia
E) Cystic fibrosis

Answer 1

Breast milk is contraindicated in infants with galactosemia because they lack the enzyme to digest lactose properly, which can lead to serious symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Breast milk is absolutely contraindicated in infants with galactosemia, an inborn error of metabolism where there is a deficiency of the enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase, which is needed to convert galactose to glucose. This enzyme deficiency leads to the accumulation of galactose in the blood and its excretion in the urine. Infants with galactosemia cannot tolerate lactose found in breast milk and must be fed with lactose-free formula to prevent symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.

Galactosemia, which is the deficiency of the enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase, contraindicates the consumption of breast milk. Infants with galactosemia are intolerant to lactose, a sugar found in breast milk, and may experience symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. Therefore, lactose-free milk is the recommended alternative for these infants. This enzyme deficiency leads to the accumulation of galactose in the blood and its excretion in the urine. Infants with galactosemia cannot tolerate lactose found in breast milk and must be fed with lactose-free formula to prevent symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.