Feeding management for an infant diagnosed with galactosemia should be which of the following?

• A. Breastfeeding
• B. Cow's milk-based formula
• C. Hydrolyzed formula
• D. Soy-based formula

Answer: (D)

Galactosemia requires a galactose-free diet because the infant cannot metabolize galactose, leading to toxic buildup. Lactose from dairy products breaks down into glucose and galactose, so anything containing lactose—breast milk, cow’s milk-based formula, and most dairy-based or lactose-containing hydrolyzed formulas—would introduce galactose. Soy-based formula, on the other hand, is lactose-free and galactose-free, providing an appropriate alternative that supports growth without the problematic sugar. Therefore, feeding with a soy-based formula aligns with the need to avoid galactose while meeting an infant’s nutritional needs.