Cyclic Dextrin by German Elite Nutrition
Do you go on long rides, do intense WODs, or train for hours on end? Then you need a carbohydrate source that mixes easily in your water bottle. Cyclic Dextrin by German Elite Nutrition consists of one hundred percent highly branched cyclic dextrin, also known as Cluster Dextrin. A serving of approximately 62 grams provides 59 grams of carbohydrates. Ideal for cyclists, endurance athletes, and CrossFitters who want to consume carbohydrates during exercise.
What cyclic dextrin is
Cyclic dextrin is made from starch, usually corn. An enzymatic process creates a carbohydrate with a high molecular weight and a unique, branched structure. This is where the name highly branched cyclic dextrin comes from. It remains a regular digestible carbohydrate. The difference compared to sugar or standard maltodextrin lies in the structure. Cluster Dextrin was originally developed for sports nutrition.
High molecular weight, low osmolarity
Cyclic dextrin has a high molecular weight and low osmolarity. The powder dissolves well and mixes easily into a drink in your water bottle. Always test your mixture during a regular training session first, so you know how it suits you.
How many carbohydrates per hour for endurance sports
There are rules of thumb for endurance sports. For rides or training sessions longer than one hour, you want to consume roughly 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour, and during long, intense exercise, you increase that towards 60 to 90 grams per hour. A serving of this powder provides 59 grams of carbohydrates. If you want to reach that 90-gram mark, many endurance athletes combine cyclic dextrin with some fructose in a ratio of approximately two to one. Two EU-approved claims are relevant here. Carbohydrates contribute to the recovery of normal muscle function (contraction) after very intense and/or prolonged physical activity that has led to muscle fatigue and the depletion of glycogen stores in skeletal muscles. This beneficial effect is achieved with an intake of carbohydrates from all sources of 4 grams per kilogram of body weight, in portions, within the first 4 hours and at latest 6 hours after exercise. In addition, carbohydrates contribute to the maintenance of normal brain function; this effect occurs with a daily intake of 130 grams of carbohydrates from all sources.
How to make your own sports drink
Cyclic dextrin is deliberately kept plain. It contains no flavorings, sweeteners, or fillers, and no electrolytes either. That might sound like a disadvantage, but it actually gives you control. Mix approximately 62 grams of powder with 500 to 750 milliliters of water or a sports drink and you have your base. Do you want flavor? Add some lemonade or flavoring. Do you sweat a lot? Stir in a pinch of salt or an electrolyte mix yourself. This way you create a drink that perfectly suits your ride or training. Drink it before, during, or after exercise. The powder dissolves well and is completely vegan and free from gluten, lactose, and added sugars.
In short: cyclic dextrin is a pure, soluble carbohydrate source that you can freely combine, made for athletes who are out for hours.