Tag: Carbohydrate supplements

Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD), the main ingredient in a cluster dextrin shake, has a high molecular weight and low osmolality, which allows it to pass through the stomach and into the intestines more quickly than many other carbohydrates. This unique structure is the secret behind a cluster dextrin shake, making it a powerful and efficient fuel source for athletes seeking sustained energy without gastrointestinal distress or blood sugar crashes.

With a glycemic index (GI) of 100, dextrose is a simple sugar, a fast-absorbing monosaccharide that spikes blood glucose rapidly. This contrasts sharply with highly branched cyclic dextrin (HBCD), or cluster dextrin, which is a complex carbohydrate designed for a more sustained energy release. Despite both being carbohydrate supplements, their distinct molecular structures and physiological impacts mean they are used differently by athletes.

According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), glycogen is a muscle's main energy source during moderate to high-intensity exercise. However, the notion of consuming a pure glycogen supplement is complex because it is not available in a ready-to-use form like other nutrients. Instead, athletes use carbohydrate-based supplements to influence and replenish their body's glycogen stores.