GlycoBol Cluster Dextrin™

GlycoBol Cluster Dextrin™ is the ideal dietary supplement for athletes engaged in intense and prolonged physical activity. Composed of 100% highly branched cyclic cyclic cyclodextrins Cluster Dextrin®, GlycoBol is an indispensable source of fast-absorbing carbohydrates, very low osmolarity and low Molecular Weight (PM). Carbohydrates, in fact, contribute to the recovery of normal muscle function after prolonged exercise and are helpful in replenishing muscle glycogen stores after utilisation by skeletal muscle.

Cyclodextrins: what they are

Cyclodextrins, in general, are a family of cyclic oligosaccharides, obtained through the hydrolysis of maize starch, with a molecular weight of 150 KDa, and an invaluable source of carbohydrates for the athlete, in the pre-, during and post-training phases. The cyclic structure of these carbohydrates enables them to gain ideal utilisation properties: the low molecular weight means better resistance to oxidative phenomena, and the very low osmolarity enables fast gastric emptying, an important property for avoiding gastro-intestinal disorders. In fact, they have a gastric emptying speed similar to that of water: any side effects of intra-workout carbohydrate consumption are therefore minimised.

The highly branched cyclic cyclodextrins Cluster Dextrin™ from which GlycoBol is made are an evolution of several carbohydrate-based products on the market, namely Vitargo, Maltodextrins, Waxy maize and Karbolyn (as well as Glucose and Dextrose). Unlike these carbohydrates, cyclodextrins boast speed and efficiency of absorption and utilisation, without the risk of the athlete incurring gastro-intestinal discomfort or dehydration. Caution: rapid absorption is often associated with a high insulin peak, but unlike simple glucose, cyclodextrin produces much lower insulin and blood glucose peaks, preventing the athlete from running the risk of experiencing a glycemic crash.

Cyclic cyclodextrins](/media/wysiwyg/images-descriptions/glycobol/glycobol-cyclodextrins-cyclic.jpg)

Why use carbohydrates intra-workout?

Because during training, our muscles tend to use muscle glycogen stores to obtain the energy needed for muscle contraction. If we supply the body with highly branched cyclic cyclodextrins while training, we will reduce the feeling of fatigue and at the same time gain better control over the oxidative process. If, on the other hand, we take GlycoBol Cluster Dextrin™ pre-workout, we will achieve a ergogenic effect and saturation of glycogen reserves; post-workout, on the other hand, the intake will be essential for recovery of used muscle glycogen, stimulation of insulin secretion and absorption of amino acids.

But are highly branched cyclic cyclodextrins really better than Glucose/Dextrose?

Yes, because they have a low osmolarity: osmolarity is a physical quantity that measures the concentration of solutions, and it increases as the number of particles the solution contains increases. Glucose-based drinks have a higher osmolarity than solutions with cyclodextrins. Consequently, the solution with glucose will draw more water into the stomach and intestinal lumen, delaying the absorption of molecules and gastric emptying. This frequently causes dehydration, gastro-intestinal disturbances or diarrhoea in athletes, which in addition to health risks compromising their entire performance. Secondly, cyclodextrins have a lower impact on blood sugar, reducing the risk of glycaemic crash.

What are the advantages of using cyclodextrins?

Essentially two:

• The rapid and constant release of glucose into the blood;
• The very low osmolarity in solution.
  These characteristics make cyclodextrins extremely functional for restoring muscle glycogen without causing gastric or intestinal upset and without burdening digestion.

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