Used extensively in the pharmaceutical industry as an excipient in tablet and capsule formulations. It acts as a filler, binder, and diluent, improving the physical properties of medications for easier manufacturing and consumption. Also employed in the food industry as a sweetener and bulking agent in products like infant formula, baked goods, and confectionery. Its low hygroscopic nature makes it suitable for dry powder inhalers in respiratory therapies. Additionally, it serves as a nutrient source in microbial fermentation processes for producing antibiotics and other biopharmaceuticals.