Lactitol is a sugar alcohol derived from lactose. It is a white, crystalline, odorless powder with high stability and a sweetness approximately 30-40% that of sucrose. Chemically, it is 4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-D-glucitol. Its primary application is as a low-calorie bulk sweetener and texturizer in the food industry, particularly in sugar-free and reduced-sugar products like confectionery, baked goods, and dairy desserts. It provides sweetness without promoting tooth decay and has a low glycemic index, making it suitable for diabetic foods. In the pharmaceutical industry, lactitol is widely used as an excipient, specifically as a non-caloric sweetener and filler in chewable tablets, lozenges, and other oral dosage forms. Additionally, lactitol is recognized for its prebiotic properties, selectively stimulating the growth of beneficial gut bacteria like bifidobacteria. It is also used as an osmotic laxative for the treatment of constipation and hepatic encephalopathy, leveraging its ability to draw water into the colon.