Allitol: production, properties and applications

Summary Allitol is a rare alcohol monosaccharide sweetener containing six carbons atoms. It is a major product of the d‐psicose reduction pathway that exerts various physiological effects, for example laxative effects for the treatment of constipation and anti‐obesity effects by suppressing lipid accumulation. Allitol can be also used as an anticrystallisation agent. In addition, allitol cross‐links d‐ and l‐hexoses, thus contributing to production of l‐psicose. This is a review of the recent studies on the sources, properties, physiological functions and applications of allitol. In addition, the biochemical properties of ribitol dehydrogenase enzymes and the biotechnological production of allitol via microbial and enzymatic synthesis from d‐psicose and directly from d‐fructose are reviewed. Rare sugars applications.