galactosemia

[ guh-lak-tuh-see-mee-uh ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. an inherited disorder characterized by the inability to metabolize galactose and requiring a galactose-free diet to avoid consequent intellectual disability and eye, spleen, and liver abnormalities.

Other Words From

• ga·lac·to·se·mic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of galactosemia¹

First recorded in 1930–35; galactose + -emia

Example Sentences

Only babies born with a rare hereditary disease called galactosemia are completely unable to digest lactose.

From Salon

Babies with a disorder known as galactosemia, for example, are unable to digest lactose, the main sugar found in milk-based formulas and breast milk.

From Washington Post

Infants with an uncommon condition called classic galactosemia are unable to metabolize sugar in breast milk and need to be fed formula, Feldman-Winter said.

From Seattle Times

And compared with the rest of Europe, the Irish have higher rates of cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and galactosemia, a serious metabolic disorder that prevents the breakdown of sugars in dairy, legumes, and organ meats.

From National Geographic

The baby was later diagnosed with galactosemia, a disorder that prevented his body from digesting a sugar found in breast milk and traditional formula.

From Washington Times