Galactosemia is a rare, hereditary metabolic disorder caused by the accumulation of galactose and its metabolites in the body due to a lack of enzymes that convert galactose to glucose. This study aimed to investigate the dietary behaviors and nutritional statuses of patients with galactosemia and to provide basic information on the development of nutrition education programs to improve quality of dietary life. A survey was conducted on 13 parents of (<11 years of age) children with galactosemia and 26 parents of (<11 years of age) children without galactosemia. Mean body mass index was greater for school-age children with galactosemia (18.77 kg/m2) than for corresponding normal children (16.55 kg/m2). Underweight and obesity rates of children with galactosemia were greater than those of children without galactosemia. In addition, children with galactosemia had a higher food neophobia rate and thus consumed less food. Normal children exhibited a greater range of food preferences than those with galactosemia, especially for milk and dairy products (p= .001) and fats and sweets (p= .04). Reliable food databases and appropriate dietary recommendations are required to ensure the proper growth of children with galactosemia.

Galactosemia is a rare genetic metabolic disease caused by galactose and its metabolites generated during carbohydrate metabolism, which is relatively rare in Asian countries, including Korea. Patients with galactosemia should be treated with a galactose-restricted diet. However, information is lacking about the exact content of galactose in food, and dietary guidelines for patients with galactosemia in Korea. This study aims to recognize the difficulties faced by parents and clinical experts of patients with galactosemia, and understand their demands. Totally, 5 parents of children diagnosed with galactosemia and 5 clinical professionals participated in the focus group interviews. The parents’ interview focused on the daily life of the patient, which included diet and social difficulties. The clinical experts mainly answered about medical care, including the number and status of patients, and their suggestions for effective treatment. Most parents were worried about social isolation due to conflicts in the family as well as in society due to a lack of understanding of the disease. The clinical experts stated the absence of a disease management system as the greatest problem. An integrated support system for patients with galactosemia, which includes appropriate dietary guidelines by considering the domestic environment, is required.