Galactose
A simple sugar found in milk, paired with glucose.
What is Galactose?
Galactose is a simple sugar that, together with glucose, makes up lactose in milk. After digestion the liver converts galactose into glucose for energy. The body also attaches it to proteins and fats to build important structural molecules.
Health benefits of Galactose
- Converted to glucose by the liver for energy
- Used to build glycoproteins and glycolipids in cells
- A component of the milk sugar lactose, important in infancy
Top food sources of Galactose
See full rankingMilk and dairy (as part of lactose); small amounts in some fruits and vegetables. Values shown per 100 g.
Formulated bar, SLIM-FAST OPTIMA meal bar, milk chocolate peanut
5.6 g
Honey
3.1 g
Dulce de Leche
1.0 g
Cheese, mozzarella, low moisture, part-skim
0.9 g
Celery, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt
0.9 g
Celery, cooked, boiled, drained, with salt
0.9 g
Beets, canned, regular pack, solids and liquids
0.8 g
Yogurt, plain, whole milk
0.7 g
Yogurt, Greek, plain, nonfat
0.7 g
Celery, raw
0.7 g
Yogurt, Greek, plain, whole milk
0.6 g
Cherries, sweet, raw
0.6 g
How much Galactose do you need?
There is no Daily Value for galactose; it falls within total sugars and carbohydrate.
Galactose deficiency
There is no dietary requirement; the body can make galactose. A rare genetic disorder, galactosemia, prevents its processing and requires a special diet.
Nutrition data per 100 g from the USDA & FooDB databases. Daily Values follow the FDA 2016+ labeling standard for a 2,000-calorie diet. This guide is for general information and is not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does Galactose do?
Galactose is a simple sugar that, together with glucose, makes up lactose in milk. After digestion the liver converts galactose into glucose for energy. The body also attaches it to proteins and fats to build important structural molecules.
How much Galactose do I need per day?
There is no Daily Value for galactose; it falls within total sugars and carbohydrate.
Which foods are highest in Galactose?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Formulated bar, SLIM-FAST OPTIMA meal bar, milk chocolate peanut, Honey, Dulce de Leche, Cheese, mozzarella, low moisture, part-skim, Celery, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt.
What happens if I don't get enough Galactose?
There is no dietary requirement; the body can make galactose. A rare genetic disorder, galactosemia, prevents its processing and requires a special diet.