GLUCITOL Meaning and
Definition
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Glucitol, also known as sorbitol, is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in some fruits and vegetables, but can also be synthesized commercially. It is commonly used as a sweetening agent in various food products, as well as in pharmaceuticals and personal care products.
In its pure form, glucitol is a white, odorless crystalline powder with a sweet taste. It is often used as a low-calorie alternative to sugar due to its lower glycemic index and lower calorie content. Glucitol is often used as a sugar substitute in sugar-free and diabetic-friendly products, as it does not significantly raise blood sugar levels.
In addition to its sweetening properties, glucitol also possesses humectant properties, meaning it has the ability to retain moisture. This makes it a popular ingredient in cosmetics, toothpaste, mouthwashes, and other personal care products, where it helps to prevent drying and maintain product consistency.
From a chemical perspective, glucitol is a sugar alcohol derived from glucose. It is formed by the reduction of glucose's aldehyde group to a hydroxyl group, resulting in a six-carbon sugar alcohol. Glucitol is classified as a polyol, meaning it contains multiple hydroxyl groups.
While glucitol is generally considered safe for consumption and has been approved by regulatory authorities, excessive intake can have a laxative effect and may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals. Therefore, it is important to consume it in moderation.
Common Misspellings for GLUCITOL
- flucitol
- vlucitol
- blucitol
- hlucitol
- ylucitol
- tlucitol
- gkucitol
- gpucitol
- goucitol
- glycitol
- glhcitol
- gljcitol
- glicitol
- gl8citol
- gl7citol
- gluxitol
- gluvitol
- glufitol
- gluditol
- glucutol
Etymology of GLUCITOL
The word "Glucitol" is derived from "glucose" and the suffix "-itol".
"Glucose" refers to a simple sugar and is derived from the Greek word "glykys", meaning sweet. It is composed of the Greek prefix "glyk-", meaning sweet, and the suffix "-ose", which is commonly used for sugars. Glucose is a fundamental energy source in living organisms.
The suffix "-itol" is commonly used in organic chemistry to name sugar alcohols. It is derived from the earlier-suggested name "alco-hol" indicated for a class of compounds containing an alkyl or aryl group bonded to a hydroxyl (-OH) group. The suffix "-itol" is added to the root name of the sugar or sugar alcohol to denote that it belongs to this class of compounds.
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