Widely used in the food industry as a stabilizer and sweetener, this compound helps maintain texture and freshness in baked goods, confections, and beverages. Its ability to protect proteins and cells during dehydration makes it valuable in preserving biological samples, including vaccines and diagnostic reagents. Commonly found in cosmetics, it enhances skin hydration and reduces irritation by forming a protective moisture barrier. In pharmaceuticals, it serves as a lyoprotectant in freeze-dried formulations, improving the shelf life and stability of sensitive drugs. Also used in agriculture to improve stress tolerance in plants during drought or extreme temperatures.