What Is Anhydrous Glucose and How Is It Used in Food, Pharmaceuticals, and Industrial Applications?

Anhydrous Glucose is a highly purified, crystalline form of D-glucose (dextrose) with no water of crystallization. It is widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial processes as a sweetener, energy source, and excipient. Its high purity, rapid solubility, and stability make it an essential ingredient across multiple industries.

Composition and Properties

Anhydrous Glucose is produced by crystallizing glucose from a concentrated syrup and carefully drying it to remove all moisture content.

• Chemical Formula: C₆H₁₂O₆

• Molecular Weight: 180.16 g/mol

• Appearance: White, odorless crystalline powder or granules

• Taste: Sweet, similar to sugar but milder

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water, forming clear solutions

Key Benefits and Functions

1. Rapid Energy Source
   Quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, making it suitable for energy drinks and medical nutrition.

2. Highly Stable and Moisture-Free
   No water of crystallization improves stability and reduces microbial growth risk.

3. Versatile Functional Ingredient
   Serves as a sweetener, filler, or excipient in foods and pharmaceuticals.

4. Excellent Solubility
   Dissolves quickly in both hot and cold water, ideal for beverages and medical solutions.

Applications of Anhydrous Glucose

• Food Industry:

  • Energy and sports drinks

  • Sugar-free or low-moisture candies and confectionery

  • Baking as a fermentable sugar for yeast

  • Sweetener in dairy products and nutritional powders

• Pharmaceuticals:

  • Tablet excipient and binder

  • Intravenous (IV) glucose solutions for medical use

  • Energy supplement in oral rehydration therapy

• Industrial Uses:

  • Fermentation feedstock in bioethanol production

  • Component in biotech and laboratory media formulations

Specifications

• High purity and low moisture content

• Rapid energy release for medical and sports uses

• Excellent solubility and stability

• Suitable for dry formulations requiring minimal water activity

Limitations

• Hygroscopic and requires moisture-proof packaging

• Excessive intake may impact blood sugar levels

• Not suitable for individuals needing strict glycemic control

FAQs

Q1: How is Anhydrous Glucose different from Dextrose Monohydrate?
Anhydrous Glucose contains no water of crystallization, making it drier, more stable, and ideal for low-moisture formulations.

Q2: Is Anhydrous Glucose safe for consumption?
Yes, it is GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) and approved by FDA, EFSA, and global regulatory agencies.

Q3: Why is it used in pharmaceuticals?
It serves as an excipient, filler, and energy source in oral tablets and IV formulations.

Q4: Can it be used in baking and brewing?
Yes, it acts as a fermentable sugar, supporting yeast activity and improving browning in baked goods.

Q5: Does it dissolve quickly in cold water?
Yes, it is highly soluble, making it suitable for instant drinks and medical solutions.