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Description

Sorbitol (glucitol) is a sugar alcohol that is metabolized slowly in the human body. Sorbitol can be obtained from glucose by reducing an aldehyde group to a hydroxyl group. Accumulation of excessive sorbitol in erythrocytes, retinal cells, and Schwann cells has been associated with retinopathy, cataracts, peripheral neuropathy and diabetes. Sorbitol is made solely from corn syrup, and found in fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, and prunes. It is widely used as a sugar substitute and as a laxative. It is also utilized in specialty culture media and in healthcare, food and cosmetic products. Sorbitol is measured in biological samples to monitor metabolic pathways and the progression of diabetes.