Galactosides are a type of carbohydrate that consist of a sugar molecule called galactose linked to another molecule, which can be a sugar or a non-sugar compound. They are commonly found in various plants and microorganisms and play important roles in biological processes, including cell recognition and signaling. These compounds can be classified into different categories based on their structure, such as glycosides and oligosaccharides. Galactosides are significant in nutrition, as they can influence the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the human body, and they are also studied for their potential health benefits.