Xylose is a type of sugar known as a pentose, which means it has five carbon atoms. It is commonly found in various plants, especially in the wood and leaves of trees. Xylose is important in the production of certain polysaccharides and is often used in the food industry as a sweetener or a dietary supplement. In addition to its uses in food, xylose plays a role in medical testing. A xylose absorption test can help assess how well the intestines absorb sugars, which is useful for diagnosing conditions like malabsorption syndromes.