Galactose
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What is galactose?
Galactose is a single-molecule sugar most commonly combined with glucose to form lactose, a.k.a. “milk sugar.” After being converted to glucose by the liver, it is used to produce energy. Galactose is essential for building proteins important for brain and nerve cell functions.
Galactose has a chemical structure similar to glucose. Since the body can make it from glucose, galactose is not required from the diet.
Galactose sources
The main food sources of galactose are dairy products such as milk and yogurt since they contain lactose. Honey, apples, grapes, raspberries, and some legumes and vegetables also contain smaller amounts, and processed foods may contain galactose through added sugars.
When galactose is a risk
Galactosemia is a rare genetic disorder in which the body cannot properly break down galactose. People with this condition must strictly limit their intake of galactose to avoid serious health complications.
Aug 1, 2023
