Maltodextrin (Known as Glucose Polymers, Maltodextrin)

Boosts energy 


Maltodextrins are easily digestible complex carbohydrates made from natural corn starch. The starch is cooked, and then broken down into smaller polymers (a process similar to that used by the body to digest carbohydrate). Maltodextrins are sometimes called glucose polymers.

Because it's a complex carbohydrate, maltodextrin is suitable for anyone wanting to weight in the form of muscle rather than fat, including bodybuilders, rugby players, sprinters and other strength athletes. Maltodextrin is also used widely by endurance athletes, such as runners, cyclists and triathletes, as it improves performance when consumed during long periods of exercise, and can speed up recovery when taken after training.You've probably heard of "simple" and "complex" carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide your body with its basic fuel. Your body thinks about carbohydrates like a car engine thinks about petrol. The word "carbohydrate" comes from the fact that glucose is made up of carbon and water. The simplest carbohydrate is dextrose. Dextrose, also called "blood sugar" and "glucose", flows in the bloodstream so that it is available to every cell in your body. Your cells absorb glucose and convert it into energy to drive the cell.

Glucose, fructose and galactose are also known as monosaccharides. They're the only carbohydrates that can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of your intestines. Lactose, sucrose and maltose are disaccharides (they contain two monosaccharides) and are easily converted to their monosaccharide bases in the digestive tract.

There are also complex carbohydrates, commonly known as "starches." Maltodextrin is a high-quality complex carbohydrate. Most grains (such as wheat, corn, oats, rice) and things like potatoes are high in starch. Your digestive system breaks a complex carbohydrate into glucose molecules so that the glucose can enter your bloodstream.

As a complex carbohydrate, maltodextrin is especially effective for people who want to gain weight in the form of muscle rather than excess fat. Maltodextrin is also used widely in energy drinks, and is highly effective at speeding recovery when consumed after exercise [1]. Carbohydrates such as maltodextrin combined with protein restore depleted glycogen (the name given to carbohydrate stored in your muscles levels) 19% faster than conventional high-carbohydrate energy drinks.
When choosing an energy drink, look for a product that contains 40-50 grams of carbohydrate per serving. This carbohydrate should be in the form of maltodextrin and/or dextrose. Some research shows that dextrose combined with maltodextrin is even more effective. To enhance recovery and restore glycogen levels, 40-50 grams of maltodextrin can be consumed after exercise, although this depends on your bodyweight and activity level. Someone who is heavier and very physically active will need more carbohydrate after exercise than someone who is lighter and less active.When consumed in the form of an energy drink, maltodextrin will allow you to exercise harder for longer without becoming fatigued [2]. When taken after exercise, maltodextrin will accelerate recovery between training sessions. Consumed as part of a meal replacement containing protein and/or a small amount of fat, maltodextrin will also help you gain weight in the form of muscle rather than fat.Maltodextrin can be combined with many other performance-enhancing nutrients, including dextrose, whey protein, BCAA, and MCTs.

1. Roy, B.D., & Tarnopolsky, M.A. (1998). Influence of differing macronutrient intakes on muscle glycogen resynthesis after resistance exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology, 84, 890-896
2. Haff, G.G., Schroeder, C.A., Koch, A.J., Kuphal, K.E., Comeau, M.J., & Potteiger, J.A. (2001). The effects of supplemental carbohydrate ingestion on intermittent isokinetic leg exercise. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 41, 216-222

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