Galactitol is a naturally occurring product of plants obtained following reduction of galactose. It appears as a white crystalline powder with a slight sweet taste. It may form in excess in the lens of the eye in galactosemias a deficiency of galactokinase.
Belongs to the class of organic compounds known as sugar alcohols. These are hydrogenated forms of carbohydrate in which the carbonyl group (aldehyde or ketone, reducing sugar) has been reduced to a primary or secondary hydroxyl group.
Accumulation of galactitol in the body has been shown to be toxic. Accumulation of galactitol in the lens causes the osmotic phenomena and results in cataract formation. It may form in excess in the lens of the eye in galactosemias, a deficiency of galactokinase.
