Psicose
Psicose, also known as D-allulose, is a rare monosaccharide sugar. It is a C-3 epimer of D-fructose and has the same chemical formula as fructose but differs in the arrangement of atoms. Psicose is found in small quantities in nature and has gained attention due to its potential health benefits and low-calorie content.
Chemical Structure and Properties[edit | edit source]
Psicose has the chemical formula C6H12O6, similar to other hexoses like glucose and fructose. It is a ketohexose, meaning it contains a ketone group. The structural difference between psicose and fructose lies in the configuration around the third carbon atom.
Occurrence in Nature[edit | edit source]
Psicose is naturally present in small amounts in various foods, including wheat, figs, and raisins. It is also found in certain syrups and molasses. Due to its rarity, psicose is often produced through enzymatic conversion of fructose in industrial settings.
Health Benefits[edit | edit source]
Psicose has been studied for its potential health benefits. It is considered a low-calorie sugar substitute, providing about 0.2 kcal/g compared to 4 kcal/g for regular sugars. Research suggests that psicose may have a minimal impact on blood glucose levels, making it a potential sweetener for people with diabetes. Additionally, it may have antioxidant properties and could contribute to weight management.
Uses in Food Industry[edit | edit source]
Due to its sweetness and low-calorie content, psicose is used as a sugar substitute in various food products. It can be found in baked goods, beverages, and dairy products. Its ability to mimic the taste and texture of sugar makes it a valuable ingredient in the development of low-calorie and diabetic-friendly foods.
Safety and Regulation[edit | edit source]
Psicose has been recognized as generally safe for consumption by various health authorities. However, as with any new food ingredient, it is essential to monitor its intake and potential long-term effects. Regulatory bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States have approved its use in specific quantities.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Categories[edit | edit source]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
