甘露醇是一种白色结晶固体，看起来和味甜像蔗糖。它是一种己六醇，脱水剂的一种，可作为利尿药，也可作为甜味剂。

甘露醇被分类为糖醇；也就是说，它是从糖类（甘露糖）通过还原而得。其它糖醇包括木糖醇和山梨糖醇。甘露糖醇和山梨糖醇是异构体，唯一的区别是羟基的碳2的取向。

它是列在世界卫生组织基本药物标准清单上，这是一个必需的基本医疗卫生制度中最重要的药物的清单。

Mannitol, also known as mannite or manna sugar, is a white, crystalline solid that looks and tastes sweet like sucrose. Medically it is used to treat increased intracranial pressure. It also has several industrial uses. In plants its purpose is to alleviate osmotic stress.