Glucitol vs. Sorbitol — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 18, 2024
Glucitol and sorbitol are both sugar alcohols used as sweeteners, but glucitol is another name for sorbitol derived from glucose, while sorbitol can be obtained from various fruits.
Difference Between Glucitol and Sorbitol
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Glucitol and sorbitol are essentially the same compound, commonly used as sugar substitutes. Glucitol is the name often used when referring to the compound derived directly from glucose, whereas sorbitol is the term generally used in commercial and culinary contexts.
Both glucitol and sorbitol are sugar alcohols, which means they have a similar chemical structure to sugar but are metabolized differently in the body. Glucitol is produced from the reduction of glucose, making it a sugar alcohol derived specifically from this sugar. Sorbitol, on the other hand, is found naturally in fruits such as apples, pears, and berries, and can also be synthesized from glucose.
In terms of usage, glucitol and sorbitol are employed as sweeteners in various food products, including sugar-free candies, gums, and dietetic foods. While glucitol is primarily used in scientific and medical contexts, sorbitol is the preferred term in the food industry and among consumers.
The health impacts of glucitol and sorbitol are similar as both can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in large amounts due to their laxative effects. Glucitol's name reflects its direct derivation from glucose, while sorbitol's name comes from the Sorbus genus of trees, where it was first identified.
Comparison Chart
Chemical Structure
Sugar alcohol from glucose
Sugar alcohol from fruits/glucose
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Common Use
Scientific/medical contexts
Food industry, consumer products
Source
Derived from glucose
Found in fruits, synthesized from glucose
Name Origin
From glucose
From Sorbus trees
Health Effects
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Similar gastrointestinal effects
Compare with Definitions
Glucitol
A compound used as a sugar substitute in medical applications.
The medication contains glucitol to improve taste.
Sorbitol
A common ingredient in sugar-free products.
Sorbitol is used to sweeten diet candies and gums.
Glucitol
A sugar alcohol derived from glucose.
Glucitol is often used in pharmaceuticals as a sweetener.
Sorbitol
A polyol that can have a laxative effect if consumed in excess.
Consuming too much sorbitol may cause digestive discomfort.
Glucitol
A sweetener that can cause laxative effects if consumed in large amounts.
Excessive intake of glucitol may lead to gastrointestinal issues.
Sorbitol
A sweetener also known as glucitol in scientific terms.
Sorbitol, or glucitol, is often used in medical formulations.
Glucitol
A polyol with sweetening properties similar to sugar.
Glucitol can be found in some sugar-free gums.
Sorbitol
A sweetener that is less caloric than sugar.
Sorbitol provides fewer calories than regular sugar.
Glucitol
A synonym for sorbitol, particularly in scientific literature.
The study measured the effects of glucitol on blood sugar levels.
Sorbitol
A sugar alcohol found naturally in many fruits.
Sorbitol is present in apples and pears.
Glucitol
Sorbitol
Sorbitol
Sorbitol (), less commonly known as glucitol (), is a sugar alcohol with a sweet taste which the human body metabolizes slowly. It can be obtained by reduction of glucose, which changes the converted aldehyde group (−CHO) to a primary alcohol group (−CH2OH).
Sorbitol
A white, sweetish, crystalline alcohol, C6H8(OH)6, found in various berries and fruits or prepared synthetically and used as a flavoring agent, a sugar substitute for people with diabetes, and a moisturizer in cosmetics and other products.
Sorbitol
(biochemistry) A faintly sweet alcohol C6H14O6 that occurs in some fruits, is made synthetically, and is used especially as a humectant and softener and in making ascorbic acid.
Common Curiosities
Where is sorbitol found naturally?
Sorbitol is found naturally in fruits like apples, pears, and berries.
What is sorbitol?
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol found naturally in fruits and used widely as a sweetener in food products.
Are glucitol and sorbitol the same?
Yes, glucitol and sorbitol refer to the same compound, but glucitol emphasizes its derivation from glucose.
What is glucitol?
Glucitol is a sugar alcohol derived from glucose, used as a sweetener and in medical applications.
Do glucitol and sorbitol have the same health effects?
Yes, both can cause gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large amounts.
What are the uses of glucitol?
Glucitol is used as a sweetener in pharmaceuticals and as a sugar substitute.
Can sorbitol be synthesized?
Yes, sorbitol can be synthesized from glucose.
Are glucitol and sorbitol calorie-free?
No, they are lower in calories than sugar but not completely calorie-free.
What is the origin of the name glucitol?
The name glucitol originates from glucose.
Is glucitol used in scientific research?
Yes, glucitol is often mentioned in scientific and medical research contexts.
What is the origin of the name sorbitol?
The name sorbitol comes from the Sorbus genus of trees, where it was first discovered.
Is sorbitol used in the food industry?
Yes, sorbitol is widely used as a sweetener in sugar-free and dietetic foods.
Can glucitol cause digestive issues?
Yes, excessive consumption of glucitol can lead to digestive discomfort.
Which fruits contain sorbitol?
Fruits like apples, pears, peaches, and berries contain sorbitol.
Is sorbitol suitable for diabetics?
Sorbitol can be suitable for diabetics as it has a lower impact on blood sugar levels compared to regular sugar.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
