The metabolism of galactose

Abstract

Galactose, fed to rats at levels comparable with those at which it may be administered to man (0.6 gm. and 1.2 gm. per kgm.), was almost completely absorbed from the intestine within 1 hr.; with both dosages, all but traces of the free sugar had disappeared from the tissues at the end of 3 hrs. Proportionately much more of the ingested galactose is excreted into the urine in the rat than in man, indicating a lower rate of conversion of galactose into its metabolites in the rat. No evidence was found indicating the conversion of galactose into glucose or into any other reducing carbohydrate. The glycogen formed after galactose ingestion, either in the muscle or the liver, gives only glucose on hydrolysis.