Galactose metabolism is the process by which the body breaks down galactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. When consumed, galactose is converted into glucose, another sugar that the body uses for energy. This conversion primarily occurs in the liver through a series of enzymatic reactions. The main enzymes involved in galactose metabolism include galactokinase, galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase, and UDP-galactose 4-epimerase. Deficiencies in these enzymes can lead to galactosemia, a genetic disorder that can cause serious health issues if not managed by dietary restrictions.