Volemitol

Volemitol

Volemitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that is found in a variety of plant species. It is a seven-carbon sugar alcohol, which makes it a member of the polyol family. Volemitol is used in the food industry as a sweetener and humectant, and it has also been studied for potential medical applications.

Chemical Structure

Volemitol has the chemical formula C7H14O7. It is a seven-carbon sugar alcohol, which means it has seven carbon atoms, fourteen hydrogen atoms, and seven oxygen atoms. The structure of volemitol is similar to other sugar alcohols, with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to each carbon atom.

Sources

Volemitol is found in a variety of plant species, including the Scots Pine and the Douglas Fir. It is also found in some species of fungi, including certain types of mushrooms. In plants, volemitol is often found in the phloem sap, where it serves as a transport carbohydrate.

Uses

In the food industry, volemitol is used as a sweetener and humectant. It provides a sweet taste without contributing to caloric intake, making it a popular choice for low-calorie and sugar-free products. As a humectant, volemitol helps to retain moisture in food products, which can improve their texture and shelf life.

Potential Medical Applications

Volemitol has been studied for potential medical applications. Some research suggests that it may have antioxidant properties, which could make it useful in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of volemitol.

See Also

• Sugar alcohol
• Polyol
• Scots Pine
• Douglas Fir
• Antioxidant