Soy-based formulas are recommended for neonates who have

Soy-based formulas are recommended for neonates who have

• A. Phenylketonuria
• B. Maple syrup urine disease
• C. galactosemia
• D. Cystic fibrosis

Answer: (C)

Galactosemia means the baby cannot properly metabolize galactose, a sugar found in lactose. Because lactose contains galactose, standard formulas can cause serious illness in these infants. Soy-based formulas are lactose-free, providing nutrition without the problematic galactose, which is why they are recommended for neonates with galactosemia. Other conditions require different dietary approaches—PKU uses low-phenylalanine formulas, maple syrup urine disease needs restricted branched-chain amino acids, and cystic fibrosis care centers on high-energy, fat-absorption considerations rather than lactose content. The lactose-free nature of soy-based formulas makes them the best fit for galactosemia.

Galactosemia means the baby cannot properly metabolize galactose, a sugar found in lactose. Because lactose contains galactose, standard formulas can cause serious illness in these infants. Soy-based formulas are lactose-free, providing nutrition without the problematic galactose, which is why they are recommended for neonates with galactosemia. Other conditions require different dietary approaches—PKU uses low-phenylalanine formulas, maple syrup urine disease needs restricted branched-chain amino acids, and cystic fibrosis care centers on high-energy, fat-absorption considerations rather than lactose content. The lactose-free nature of soy-based formulas makes them the best fit for galactosemia.