sorbitol

views updated May 18 2018

sorbitol (glycitol, glucitol) A six‐carbon sugar alcohol found in some fruits and manufactured from glucose. Although it is metabolized in the body, it is only slowly absorbed from the intestine and is tolerated by diabetics. It is 50–60% as sweet as sucrose. Used in baked products, jam, and confectionery suitable for diabetics.

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition DAVID A. BENDER

glucitol

views updated May 18 2018

glucitol Obsolete name for sorbitol, one of the sugar alcohols or glycitols.

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition DAVID A. BENDER

sorbitol

views updated Jun 08 2018

sorbitol (sor-bit-ol) n. a carbohydrate with a sweet taste, used as a substitute for cane sugar in foods suitable for diabetics since it is absorbed slowly from the intestine.

A Dictionary of Nursing