Dextrose Monohydrate

About Dextrose Monohydrate

Dextrose monohydrate is the hydrated form of the D-isomer of glucose. It is also known as hydrated D-glucose. Dextrose monohydrate is usually derived from plant starches like corn starch and potato starch. Besides its applications in the food and beverage and pharmaceutical industries, it is also the monomer for maltodextrin. As compared to glucose, dextrose monohydrate is metabolized faster by the body. Thus, it is a popular ingredient to be added to intravenous (IV) fluid and oral rehydration salts as it produces energy quickly.

Manufacturing Process 

Like its anhydrous counterpart, dextrose monohydrate is commonly synthesized from the hydrolysis of corn starch. 2 % corn starch is prepared and mixed with pancreatin, an enzyme. It is then brought to boil slowly under reflux. After which, it will be boiled for 20 minutes, and the solution will be maintained at 40°C. The amount of enzyme added is highly regulated as it ensures the optimal rate of hydrolysis of corn starch into dextrose. Refinement and crystallization are then carried out to obtain dextrose. To obtain dextrose monohydrate, the solution is crystallized at a temperature lower than 150°C. Thus the end product dextrose monohydrate contains one water molecule with every dextrose monohydrate molecule.Dextrose monohydrate is naturally occurring in animals and plants. Thus, it can be synthesized biologically by the digestion of starches like potato starch and corn starch.

Food Industry

In the food and beverage industry, dextrose monohydrate is often used as sweeteners in confectionery and baked goods. It is also converted to maltodextrin, a polyol used as a thickening agent and supplement in infant formula milk.

Pharmaceutical Industry 

In the pharmaceutical industry, dextrose monohydrate is often used in oral rehydration salts and intravenous (IV) fluid as it can be metabolized quickly and utilized by the body as an energy source. Maltodextrin, a polyol of dextrose monohydrate, can also be used as a stabilizer in medicine.