galactosemia: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No, they are completely different. Lactose intolerance is a common, non-life-threatening digestive issue. Galactosemia is a rare, serious genetic metabolic disorder that can cause severe complications if not managed from birth.

There is no cure. However, it can be effectively managed by a strict, lifelong diet that eliminates galactose, primarily found in milk and dairy products, allowing individuals to lead relatively healthy lives.

It is an autosomal recessive disorder. This means a child must inherit two defective copies of the gene (one from each parent) to have the condition. Parents are typically carriers with one defective copy and do not show symptoms.

All sources of galactose and lactose must be avoided. This includes all mammalian milk (breast milk, cow's milk, goat's milk), dairy products (cheese, yogurt, butter), and many processed foods containing milk derivatives. Certain organ meats and legumes also contain galactose.

A rare, inherited metabolic disorder where the body cannot properly process the sugar galactose, leading to its toxic buildup in the blood.

Galactosemia is usually technical / medical in register.

Galactosemia: in British English it is pronounced /ɡəˌlæk.təˈsiː.mi.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡəˌlæk.toʊˈsiː.mi.ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.