Galactose In Chocolate & Hypoglycemia

Galactose is a type of monosaccharide, or simple, single-molecule sugar, found in milk and milk products. Because it contains a source of cow's milk, milk chocolate also contains galactose. Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by a drop in blood glucose below normal levels. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, hypoglycemia can be caused by diabetes, eating too little food and consumption of alcohol. Aside from galactose, chocolate is a source of glucose and may cause a hypoglycemic episode in some individuals.

Galactose in Chocolate

Milk chocolate and any other type of chocolate that lists milk or cream as an ingredient is a potential source of galactose. The American Dietetic Association explains that individuals who have conditions that require them to abstain from sources of galactose should also avoid dessert foods that contain whey, butter or milk solids. PubMed Health adds that newborn infants who are born with galactosemia, an inability to metabolize galactose, can experience hypoglycemia after consuming any food containing galactose.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia, according to PubMed Health, is defined as a drop in blood glucose levels below 70 milligrams per deciliter. Symptoms of this condition include fatigue, sweating, shaking and confusion. An acute episode of hypoglycemia can often be reversed by consuming some type of glucose, including orange juice or candy. Diabetics are at risk for hypoglycemia, but exercising without consuming enough food, not eating often enough or drinking alcohol can also cause blood sugar levels to drop. Left untreated, a hypoglycemic reaction can lead to seizures, coma and death.

Galactose and Hypoglycemia

Individuals born with galactosemia are at highest risk for developing a hypoglycemic reaction to galactose. Milk sugar, however, is not directly implicated in causing hypoglycemia in people who don't have galactosemia. Most chocolate that contains milk products contains not only galactose but also other types of sugar that can lead to a hypoglycemic response. This can occur in people with diabetes and also in otherwise healthy individuals because of the refined sugar in chocolate which is digested and absorbed quickly, according to the Marilyn Light's book "Hypoglycemia." Rebound hypoglycemia can occur as a paradoxical response when consuming refined sugars in order to raise blood glucose levels. This response is characterized by a rise and subsequent and relatively fast drop in blood glucose, with subsequent symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Considerations

If you have hypoglycemia, it's important to emphasize foods that contain complex carbohydrates, which are digested more slowly than their simple carbohydrate counterparts. McKinley Health Center notes that you should consider consuming a simple carbohydrate food like chocolate along with a source of both protein and fat such as milk, which can delay digestion of the simple sugars. Infants who have galactosemia are required to avoid all milk products including chocolate to prevent a hypoglycemic response and organ damage. If you believe you have experienced a hypoglycemic response after consuming chocolate, check with your doctor and consider choosing milk-free and sugar-free chocolate.

Galactose in Chocolate & Hypoglycemia