Glycols

Glycols are organic compounds that belong to the group of sugars. They are carbohydrates with a relatively small number of carbon atoms and have a sweet taste. Glycols occur in several forms and can be simple or complex structures. Known examples of glycols include:

Glucose: It is one of the most important glycols and is the basic source of energy for organisms. Glucose is found in the blood and is the main carbohydrate that is processed in the body to produce energy.

Fructose: Fructose is a natural sugar found in many fruits and honey. It is sweet and is often used as a natural sweetener.

Galactose: Galactose is a natural sugar found in milk and milk products. It can be metabolized to glucose in the body.

Lactose: It is a disaccharide composed of glucose and galactose. It is found in milk and milk products. Some people may have trouble digesting lactose, leading to lactose intolerance.

Glycols have various biological functions. In addition to serving as a source of energy, they can be part of the structures of biologically important molecules such as DNA, RNA and various glycoproteins. In the food industry, some glycols are used as natural sweeteners and flavor enhancers.

It is important to note that the term "glycol" is also used to refer to chemical compounds that have hydroxyl groups in their molecular structure. Such chemical compounds include, for example, ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, which are used in various industrial applications, for example in antifreezes, cooling drops and other technical means.