Tag: Glucose vs dextrose

According to the World Health Organization, intravenous sugar solution, often called dextrose solution, is an essential medicine used globally for a variety of medical conditions. In this context, the terms 5% glucose and 5% dextrose refer to identical solutions, a fact that is often confusing due to their different names. This article clarifies the chemical relationship and practical uses of these two terms.

According to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) medical guidelines, GLUCOSE 5% = DEXTROSE 5%, confirming they are essentially the same substance. This guide clarifies why the terms are used interchangeably, focusing on their medical and biochemical contexts.

Over 60 different names for sugar exist, many disguised in ingredient lists. Navigating these terms can be confusing, so understanding which sugar is called in what sugar is essential for informed dietary choices. From the table sugar in your coffee to the natural sweetness in fruit, each has a specific name and origin.