Galactose Unit Converter

Galactose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) produced when lactose, the sugar found in milk, is broken down in the small intestine. Lactose splits into two sugars: glucose and galactose.

A plasma galactose test measures the concentration of free D-galactose in the blood. Elevated levels indicate that the body is not metabolizing galactose efficiently, either due to a genetic enzyme deficiency or impaired liver function.

Galactose is normally processed through the Leloir pathway, a series of three enzymatic steps that convert it into glucose-1-phosphate for energy production. Deficiencies in any of these enzymes (GALT, GALK, or GALE) can cause galactose to accumulate to harmful levels.

Galactose comes primarily from the digestion of lactose in dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. The body also produces approximately 1-3 grams per day endogenously through the turnover of galactose-containing glycoproteins and glycolipids.