Fructose

• BPFructose
• JPFructose
• Ph. Eur.Fructose
• USP–NFFructose

Advantose FS 95; D-arabino-2-hexulose; fructosum; fruit sugar; laevulose; levulose

D-(−)-Fructopyranose · [57-48-7]

C6H12O6 · 180.16

Sweetening agent, Diluent (filler)

Typical concentrations: — · Dosage forms: Solid, Liquid

Used as a sweetener and flavour enhancer in tablets, syrups and oral solutions; it is sweeter than sucrose (about 1.2–1.8 times, depending on temperature and pH) and enhances fruit flavours. Directly compressible grades are used as tablet diluents, particularly in chewable tablets. It is also used widely in foods and beverages.

A ketohexose monosaccharide occurring naturally in fruit and honey. Colourless crystals or a white crystalline powder, odourless and with a very sweet taste.

Melting point

about 102–105 °C, with decomposition

Specific rotation

about −91° to −93.5° (at equilibrium, anhydrous basis)

Solubility

very soluble in water; soluble in ethanol and methanol

Hygroscopicity

hygroscopic; absorbs significant moisture at high relative humidity

Relative sweetness

about 1.2–1.8 × sucrose

Hygroscopic; store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Fructose is most stable in solution at about pH 3–4. On heating, particularly in acid or alkaline conditions, it decomposes and browns, forming 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.

As a reducing sugar it undergoes Maillard reactions with amines and amino acids. Incompatible with strong acids and alkalis, which cause browning, and with oxidising agents.

Produced from sucrose by hydrolysis to invert sugar and separation of fructose from glucose, or from glucose (from starch) by enzymatic isomerisation followed by chromatographic separation; it is then crystallised. It can also be obtained by hydrolysis of inulin.

Fructose is absorbed more slowly than glucose and is metabolised largely in the liver; it provides the same energy as other sugars. It must be avoided in patients with hereditary fructose intolerance, and large oral doses can cause flatulence, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. It is no longer recommended as a sugar substitute for diabetic patients, and intravenous use has been associated with lactic acidosis.

Observe normal precautions for the quantity handled. Avoid generating dust; eye protection is recommended.

GRAS listed. Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredient Database (oral preparations) and in non-parenteral medicines licensed in Europe.

Dextrose; high-fructose corn syrup; invert sugar; sucrose.

Because of its hygroscopicity, tablets containing fructose should be made and packed under low-humidity conditions. Its sweetness is greatest in cold, slightly acidic solutions and falls as the temperature rises.