Dextrose And Maltodextrin Explained
Question: What Are Dextrose And Maltodextrin And Why Are They In Prograde Workout?
Answer: Dextrose is a simple carbohydrate compound derived from starch (usually corn), but is also found naturally in foods such as honey and some fruits.
It’s often called glucose since dextrose and glucose have the same molecular form (C6H12O6), but glucose has several different isomeric forms, while dextrose is the biologically active form.
Dextrose looks like a fine white crystalline powder when it’s produced and has a sweet taste. When it’s mixed in water, dextrose dissolves instantly, leaving no lumps or clumps.
Dextrose is also absorbed very rapidly by the body when consumed, resulting in a high glycemic response (produces a high glucose response in the body when ingested). This high glycemic response makes it an ideal carbohydrate for exercising athletes following a workout in order to restore muscle glycogen concentrations, stimulate protein synthesis and halt protein breakdown.
Maltodextrin is also a carbohydrate manufactured by breaking down starches found naturally in corn, wheat, rice or starchy vegetables (like potatoes). When these foods are cooked, the starch breaks down, aided by the release of natural acids and enzymes, in a process called hydrolysis. Maltodextrin is then isolated into its purest form, which looks like a simple white powder.
