Difference Between Dextrose and Sugar

Dextrose vs Sugar

In biochemistry and nutrition, some ingredients and chemicals seem to be just like no other. We think that these just fall into one category or one of a kind. What we don’t know is, beyond their chemical structures, these chemicals are really and truly distinct in terms of structure, property, and so on and so forth.

Two of these are dextrose and sugar. Are these two words alike? Are these two words entirely different? Let us find out what makes these alike and different.

Dextrose and sugar are both sugar. “Sugar” is a general term while dextrose is a specific type of sugar. There are different types of sugar such as monosaccharide, disaccharide, and polysaccharide.

Examples of monosaccharides are: glucose (dextrose), galactose, and fructose. These types of sugar are the simplest forms of sugar as well as the most basic units. Another type of sugar are dissacharides. Examples of these are: maltose, lactose, and sucrose. And the last type of sugar are polysaccharides which are three or more simple sugars joined together thorough dehydration synthesis. Examples of these are: cellulose, glycogen, and starch.

The chemical formula of dextrose which is under monosaccharide is C6H12O6 while the formula of sucrose as a disaccharide is C12H22O11. Sugar generally is processed through the use of sugar cane. It is a plant that is harvested and then extracted. Brazil is presently the highest producer of sugar in the world.

Sugar is sweet. Too much consumption of it may lead to Type 2 diabetes mellitus. On the lighter side, it is one of the main forms of energy as it has a high value of carbohydrates. The intake of sugar should be done in moderation. Dextrose, on the other hand, is specifically used in intravenous fluids to treat dehydration. Besides supplying fluids in the body, it is also used to give calories to the body.

Summary:

1.Dextrose and sugar are both sugar.
2.Sugar is a general term while dextrose is a specific type of sugar.
3.There are different types of sugar such as: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Dextrose is under monosaccharide.
4.C6H12O6 is the chemical formula of dextrose, but sugar in the case of sucrose has the formula of C12H22O11

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