What are the Toxic Effects of Galactitol Accumulation?
Galactitol accumulation primarily affects the eyes and the nervous system. One of the most well-documented effects is the development of cataracts. Galactitol accumulates in the lens of the eye, drawing in water and causing the lens to swell, ultimately leading to cloudiness and impaired vision. In severe cases, excessive galactitol can also contribute to neurological damage, with symptoms such as intellectual disability, developmental delays, and motor skill impairment.