What is Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin:
Cluster DextrinTM is a trademarked form of Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin that is a new type of dextrin that is produced from amylopectin via cyclization reaction of a branching enzyme (BE,1,4-α-D-glucan: 1,4-α-D-glucan 6-α-D-(1,4-α-D-glucano)-transferase,EC 2.4.1.18).
Ezaki Glico has successfully achieved industrial production of Cluster Dextrin by applying its unique technology in enzymology.
Glico obtained FDA Notified GRAS status for Cluster Dextrin in October 2012. Cluster Dextrin is manufactured by applying an enzyme called a branching enzyme to cornstarch. The branching enzyme works on the joint of the cluster structure of amylopectin and degrades it by cyclization.
Thus, Cluster DextrinTM is considered to maintain the cluster structure, which is the basic structural unit of amylopectin, nearly as it is.
What are the benefits?
Shorter residence time in the stomach allows design of a sports drink that is quickly absorbed in the body.
Usually, in the case of beverages with electrolytes only, 280 mOsm (same osmotic pressure as bodily fluid) is absorbed quickest. However, our research revealed that gastric emptying when the beverages contain carbohydrates, with a low osmotic pressure beverage of approximately 150 mOsm, is the shortest in proportion to the osmotic pressure of the beverage and gastric emptying (transfer time from stomach to intestine)*1).
That is, if low molecular weight carbohydrates such as glucose are used, osmotic pressure becomes higher even if the concentration is the same (620 mOsm in 10% solution), and only leads to preparation of slow gastric emptying beverages.On the other hand, if approximately 2500-fold higher average molecular weight Cluster Dextrin compared to glucose is used, osmotic pressure is hardly affected and hypotonic sports drinks can be readily designed, even though electrolytes, vitamins, and amino acids, which are essential for sports drinks, are combined ( in the Figure).
*1) Int J Sports Med, 26: 314-319, 2005
GET(Gastric Emptying Time) of Various Carbohydrates
(Intake 300mL 10% carbohydrate solution
Recommended dose:
Take 1 to 2 scoops as needed to increase daily carbohydrate intake. Serving sizes can be increased for those trying to gain weight.
Any side effects?
Dextrose has no known side effects
Directions:
Mix one serving (1 level scoop) with 6 to 8 ounces of water or beverage of your choice. The number of servings consumed can vary and will depend on your individual fitness goals and/or the type of exercise to be performed.
