Which best describes sorbitol and glucose?

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that is absorbed more slowly than glucose. This slower absorption is significant because it leads to a lower glycemic response when sorbitol is ingested compared to glucose. Sorbitol's unique metabolic pathway means that it does not contribute as rapidly to blood sugar levels. It is often used in sugar-free products for this reason, as it provides sweetness with fewer calories and a lower impact on blood glucose.

Additionally, while sorbitol is approximately half as sweet as sucrose (table sugar) and much less sweet than glucose, it does not provide 7 calories per gram; it typically provides about 2.6 calories per gram. The metabolic conversion into fructose involves a different process and is not directly applicable to the characteristics of sorbitol and glucose. This makes the option that highlights sorbitol's slower absorption the most accurate description in this context.