what is dextrose

Dextrose is a type of sugar that is chemically identical to glucose, which is the sugar found in the bloodstream. It is often used in processed and prepackaged foods as an artificial sweetener or a preservative. Dextrose is also used in baking products because it helps them brown more easily, and in wine because it improves the fermentation process. Dextrose has a high glycemic index, which means that it increases blood sugar levels quickly and is a good source of energy. Dextrose is also used medically as a treatment for low blood sugar and dehydration. It is dissolved in solutions that are given intravenously, which can be combined with other drugs, or used to increase a person’s blood sugar. Dextrose is also used to provide carbohydrate calories to a person who cannot eat because of illness, trauma, or other medical condition. Dextrose is a type of sugar and should therefore be consumed in moderation, like all sugars.