Dietary Galactose Increases the Expression of Mitochondrial OXPHOS Genes and Modulates the Carbohydrate Oxidation Pathways in Mouse Intestinal Mucosa

To our knowledge, our results show for the first time the role of galactose as an OXPHOS activator in vivo. Moreover, the concept of intestinal cells acting as the body's metabolic gatekeeper is strongly supported, as they alter substrate availability and thereby contribute to the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis, protecting other organs, as evidenced by their potential ability to shield the liver from the potentially detrimental effects of fructose.