L-arabinose is an aldopentose which is more common than D-arabinose in nature. L-arabinose is a low-calorie sweetener and inhibitor of the sucrose. Therefore, it can prevent fat accumulation and protect against diabetes.
Application:

• use as a sucrose enzyme inhibitor to lower the glycaemic index of sucrose containing products
• development of antiviral agents such as nucleoside analogues
• various foods, except foods for infants or young children
• raw material for the synthesis of fine chemicals as well as pharmaceutical intermediate
• preparation of bacterial medium in biological industry
• synthesis of flavours