[ galactose, D-galactose ]
A monosaccharide which, when bonded with glucose produces lactose.
The principle dietary source of galactose is the lactose in milk and other dairy products. It is principally metabolised into glucose by the liver.
Chronic systemic exposure to galactose has been implicated in accelerated aging (senescence) and some studies have suggested a link between milk-derived galactose with ovarian cancer.