Widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries as a sweetener and excipient. Serves as a source of energy in nutritional formulations due to its carbohydrate nature. Commonly found in oral medications as a bulking agent and stabilizer. Utilized in cell culture media as a carbon source for microbial and mammalian cell growth. Employed in cosmetic products for its humectant properties, helping retain moisture in skin and hair formulations. Also used in the synthesis of biodegradable polymers and specialty chemicals for industrial applications.