Sample With Galactose

Galactose test

The galactose test is a method for studying the state of carbohydrate metabolism in the liver. It is based on the liver’s ability to convert galactose absorbed from the intestines into glucose.

The essence of the test is as follows:

  1. The patient is given a galactose solution to drink.

  2. Over the next 4 hours, urine is collected and the amount of galactose released is determined.

  3. The amount of galactose released is used to judge the functional state of the liver.

With normal liver function, the urine contains no more than 0.5% of the dose of galactose taken. An increased content of galactose in the urine indicates a violation of carbohydrate metabolism in the liver.

A galactose test is also used to study the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine. In this case, 30 and 60 minutes after taking galactose, its concentration in the blood is determined. A decrease in blood sugar indicates a malabsorption of carbohydrates.



In medicine, a galactose test is used to assess liver functionality and determine the rate of absorption of carbohydrates into the intestines. It is based on the liver’s ability to convert galactose, which is absorbed from the intestines, into glucose. If the liver cannot efficiently convert galactose into glucose, this may indicate poor carbohydrate metabolism and possible liver disease.

The galactose test is carried out as follows: the patient is given 50 grams of galactose, which he must drink within 30-60 minutes. Two hours after taking galactose, the patient must urinate into a special container. A urine test can determine the amount of galactose excreted in the urine over a four-hour period. The less galactose is released, the better the liver functions and the faster carbohydrates are absorbed in the intestines.

The results of the galactose test can be interpreted as follows:

– If the level of galactose in the urine is low, this indicates a normal ability of the liver to process galactose and quickly metabolize carbohydrates.
– If galactose levels are high, this indicates problems with carbohydrate digestion or liver problems.
– The galactose test can also be used to determine the rate of carbohydrate absorption in the intestines. If the blood sugar concentration increases 30 minutes after consuming galactose and remains high after 60 minutes, this indicates a good rate of carbohydrate absorption.

Thus, a galactose test is an important method for studying carbohydrate metabolism, which helps to diagnose liver diseases and carbohydrate absorption disorders.