Effect of Processing on Galactose In Selected Fruits

Abstract

Purpose: The impact of consuming processed versus fresh fruits and vegetables on the galactose intake of galactosemic patients was compared. Methods: The galactose content of processed fruits was determined when the following processing methods were used: freezing, drying, blanching, microwaving, canning, and a combination of blanching and freezing. Then three-day food intakes of five subjects with galactosemia were recorded. The records were used to estimate galactose intake, according to previously reported galactose levels for fresh fruits and vegetables and the potential reduction in galactose intake when only processed fruits and vegetables are consumed. Results: The average galactose reduction was approximately 45% for all the fruits and all processing methods, excluding drying. Intakes varied from 17 to 108 mg/day when fresh values were used and 11 to 103 mg/day when only processed fruits and vegetables were consumed. This reduction was statistically significant for four out of five patients. Conclusions: When the reduction is compared with reported daily fluctuations in galactosemic patients’ endogenous galactose production, the clinical significance of reduced free galactose consumption on long-term outcome is unclear. However, metabolic dietitians now have objective data that the processing methods described will lower the free galactose content of the fruits analyzed.