Used in the food industry as a low-calorie sweetener and a sugar substitute, particularly in products for diabetics due to its low glycemic index. It is also employed in the production of xylitol, a popular sugar alcohol used in chewing gums, oral care products, and sugar-free confectionery. In the pharmaceutical sector, it serves as a diagnostic agent for assessing malabsorption conditions by measuring its absorption in the intestines. Additionally, it is utilized in microbiological research as a carbon source for cultivating specific microorganisms. In the chemical industry, it acts as a precursor for synthesizing various chemicals and polymers, including furfural, which is used in resins, solvents, and biofuels.