Benders'dictionary of nutrition and food technology

206galacticol See dulcitol.Galactomin TM A preparation free from lactose and galactose, forpeople suffering from lactose intolerance.galacto-oligosaccharides Small oligosaccharides consisting ofglucosyl-(galactose) 2–5 , formed from lactose by galactosyltransfer catalysed by lactase (EC 3.2.1.23). Considered to be aprebiotic.galactorrhoea Abnormal secretion of milk, due to excessivesecretion of prolactin.galactosaemia Congenital lack of UDP-glucose galactosyltransferase(EC 2.7.7.12), or more rarely galactokinase (EC 2.7.1.6)leading to elevated blood concentration of galactose, and hencenon-enzymic glycation of proteins, and the development ofcataract and neurological damage; subjects suffer mental retardation,growth failure, vomiting and jaundice, with enlargementof liver and spleen. Treatment is by severe restriction of lactoseintake, since this is the only significant source of galactose.galactose A six-carbon monosaccharide (hexose), differing fromglucose in orientation of the hydroxyl group on carbon-4.About one-third as sweet as sucrose. The main dietary source isthe disaccharide lactose in milk, important in formation of thegalactolipids (cerebrosides) of nerve tissue.See also carbohydrates; galactosaemia.b-galactosidase Enzyme (EC 3.2.1.23) that hydrolyses β-galactansin non-starch polysaccharides; responsible for loss of firmnessduring ripening and storage of fruits.galangal Root spices (Alpinia galanga, A. officinarum) related toginger, but with a faint flavour of camphor.Galanol TM borage seed oil, a rich source of γ-linolenic acid, asa dietary supplement.galenicals Crude drugs; infusions, decoctions and tinctures preparedfrom medicinal plants.gallates Salts and esters of gallic acid, found in many plants. Usedin making dyes and inks, and medicinally as an astringent. Propyl,octyl and dodecyl gallates are legally permitted antioxidants infoods (E-310–312).gall bladder The gland in the liver that stores the bile beforesecretion into the small intestine.See also gallstones; gastrointestinal tract.gallon A unit of volume. The Imperial gallon is 4.546 litres,and the US (or Queen Anne) gallon is 3.7853 litres; therefore 1Imperial gallon = 1.2 US gallons.gallstones (cholelithiasis) Crystals of cholesterol, bile salts andcalcium salts, formed in the bile duct of the gall bladder whenthe bile becomes supersaturated.