Overview

What is Cluster Dextrin? Cluster Dextrin is a highly branched cyclic dextrin (HBCD) that provides sustained energy levels for athletes. It's a relatively new carbohydrate source and is derived from corn starch using enzymatic processes. The benefits of Cluster Dextrin are plentiful and well documented, and it's often considered the gold standard of carbohydrate sources for athletic training. 

But how exactly does Cluster Dextrin work? Let's take a deeper look ⬇️

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the bodies most readily available fuel source and are essential when it comes to athletic performance. It has been well established that prolonged exercise is often limited by the availability of glucose and glycogen stores; these stores are enhanced with the consumption of carbohydrates. However, typical carbohydrate courses have their downsides. Many cause bloating, GI distress, and spike insulin levels.

Enter Cluster Dextrin. Cluster Dextrin has a low osmolality, which allows it to empty the stomach and be absorbed in the small intestine quickly. This mechanism significantly reduces GI distress and also has a much quicker onset of action than typical carbohydrate sources. To test this, a randomized, controlled crossover study was conducted to compare rates of muscle glycogen synthesis during the first 2 and 4 hours after ingestion of two energy-equivalent carbohydrate sources; high osmolality vs low osmolality. Results showed that both carbohydrate sources significantly improved muscle glycogen content. However, the mean muscle glycogen content and mean rate of glycogen synthesis from the low osmolality carbohydrate source were significantly higher than the high osmolality group. These findings suggest that that low osmolality carbohydrate sources, such as Cluster Dextrin, offer faster glucose delivery from the small intestine and faster uptake into muscle cells.

Athletic Performance

In addition, carbohydrate solutions are often used to replace sweat during endurance activities, as each gram of glycogen comes with 3g of water. Studies show that fluid loss as little as 2% can significantly decrease endurance performance.

Other notable benefits of carbohydrate consumption is insulin response. Elevated insulin levels has been shown to:

1. Promote protein synthesis
2. Decrease recovery time
3. Reduce force sensation
4. Enhance motor skills
5. Improve Mood

However, an increase in insulin levels for a prolonged period of time can induce a detrimental condition known as oxidative stress. Since Cluster Dextrin has a branched structure, it takes an extended period of time to break down the structure to release glucose for absorption. Because of this mechanism, insulin response is minimal and Cluster Dextrin effectively provides energy for an extended period of time.

For more information on Cluster Dextrin, read here ⬇️

https://journalofexerciseandnutrition.com/index.php/JEN/article/view/100

Applications

Cluster Dextrin is typically found in intra-workout, hydration, and endurance products.

Benefits of Cluster Dextrin

Improves:

• Minimal blood-sugar and insulin response
• Fast gastric-emptying formula reduces bloating
• Low osmolality
• No GI distress
• Cleaner carbohydrate source

Recommended Dose

15-50g per day

Supplements