Galactose

Definition

Galactose is a monosaccharide sugar found in dairy products, sugar beets, and vegetable gums. It is also naturally synthesized within the body. Galactose is part of the disaccharide, lactose.

Health considerations

Chronic exposure to galactose is used to create models aging and cell deterioration in mice, rats, and fruit flies for scientific study. It has been found to increase neurodegeneration in mice.

May be found in

Milk, dairy, sugar beets, beet sugar, vegetable gums, peas

References

Virtual CHembook
Journal of Neuroscience Research