Reducing sugars are carbohydrates that have the ability to reduce other substances, particularly oxidizing agents. They have a free aldehyde or ketone group, which can undergo oxidation reactions. Here are five examples of reducing sugars:
- Glucose: Glucose is a monosaccharide and one of the most common reducing sugars. It is found in various foods, such as fruits, honey, and corn syrup.
- Fructose: Fructose is another monosaccharide and a reducing sugar. It is primarily found in fruits, honey, and some vegetables.
- Maltose: Maltose is a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules. It is a reducing sugar and is commonly found in germinating grains, such as barley.
- Lactose: Lactose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and galactose. It is a reducing sugar found in milk and dairy products.
- Trehalose: Trehalose is a disaccharide made up of two glucose molecules. It is a reducing sugar and is found in some mushrooms, yeast, and certain insects.
These are just a few examples of reducing sugars, but there are many other carbohydrates that possess reducing properties.
