Carbohydrates have proven to be a critical macronutrient amongst endurance athletes, for performance and recovery. Studies have shown for the past several decades, that glycogen replenishment is key to fuel endurance during prolonged periods of exercise performance. However, the vast majority of carb supplements such as waxy maize, dextrose, maltodextrin, and highly branched cyclic (cluster) what is dextrin are simple carbs (sugar) derived from cornstartch; a genetically modified ingredient with low to no nutritional value. So why would you take highly branched cluster dextrin, when you can eat real whole-foods, or supplement with real carbs, instead of modified cornstarch or simple carbs, otherwise known as sugar?

What Is Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin?
Cyclic Dextrin also referred to, as Highly Branched Cluster Dextrin (HBCD) is a type of high-molecular-weight maltodextrin. Dextrins are produced from applying a branching enzyme to cornstarch. The branching enzyme works on the joint of the cluster structure of amylopectin and degrades it by cyclization [R]. In addition to being used as a sports performance product, HBCD is also used as a taste masking improver and a spray drying aid. Cluster what is dextrin, like other carb supplements such as dextrose and maltodextrin are meant to provide fast-acting energy, for prolonged periods of exercise. But why would you take a carb supplement that's just sugar as opposed to supplementing with real whole-foods, derived from complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, yams, and oats? Let’s put this into perspective.

HBCD Has The Same Gastric Emptying Time (Bioavailability) As Dextrose and Maltodextrin
HBCD claims that it’s the "fastest absorbing" carbohydrate and that it prevents various digestive problems often found with other carb supplements such as maltodextrin and dextrose. Fast absorption is often regarded as a positive benefit to endurance athletes so that they can retain a quick rush of energy during training and competition. Manufacturers of HBCD claim that its increased molecular weight and decreased osmolarity due to its unique branched structure causes it to be digested and absorbed rapidly and sent to muscle tissue quickly. That sounds great, however, clinical studies suggest that what is dextrin HBCD actually hangs around in the stomach longer than other, far cheaper carb supplements. Not only that but when tested against both maltodextrin and glucose, HBCD showed no differences in perceived exertion and produced no additional blood glucose for glycogen replenishment.