Galactokinase deficiency

Overview
Galactokinase deficiency, also known as Galactosemia type 2 or GALK deficiency, is marked by an accumulation of galactose and galactitol secondary to the decreased conversion of galactose to galactose-1-phosphate by galactokinase.

Causes
This is a congenital disease, and unlike galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency, the symptoms are relatively mild. The only known symptom in affected children is cataracts, which can present as a failure to develop a social smile, and failure to visually track moving objects.

Treatment
Galactokinase deficiency is treated with a diet low in galactose.