Galactose

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Haworth projection of D-galactose

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Fischer projection of D-galactose

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Galactose (also called brain sugar) is a type of sugar found in dairy products, in sugar beets and other gums and mucilages. It is also synthesized by the body, where it forms part of glycolipids and glycoproteins in several tissues. It is considered a nutritive sweetener because it has food energy. Galactose is less sweet than glucose and not very water-soluble.

Related Topics:
Sugar - Dairy product - Sugar beet - Gum - Mucilage - Synthesized - Glycolipid - Glycoprotein - Tissue - Sweetener - Food energy

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Galactose is a monosaccharide constituent, together with glucose, of the disaccharide lactose. The hydrolysis of lactose to glucose and galactose is catalyzed by the enzyme beta-galactosidase, a lactase. In the human body, glucose is changed into galactose in order to enable the mammary glands to secrete lactose.

Related Topics:
Monosaccharide - Glucose - Disaccharide - Lactose - Hydrolysis - Catalyzed - Enzyme - Lactase - Mammary gland

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Individuals who lack this enzyme are 'lactose intolerant' and unable to realize the nutritive potential of milk sugars. The lactose then passes to the large intestine where it is digested by bacteria, producing gas and flatulence.

Related Topics:
Lactose intolerant - Milk - Large intestine - Bacteria - Flatulence

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Two studies have suggested a possible link between galactose in milk and ovarian cancer.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=2510499http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=2567871 Other studies failed to show such a link.

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