Skip to content
  1. free shipping on all usa orders over $50
what is cluster dextrin

Cluster Dextrin vs. Conventional Carbs

In this article we'll break down Cluster Dextrin® and discuss how it is different from more conventional carbs. Conventional sports drinks and carb powders? Yeah, they’re packed with fast-acting sugars like dextrose and maltodextrin. While these carbs do spike blood sugar fast, they cause sharp, short-lived energy spikes and insulin surges, which often leave you crashing soon after.

Why Insulin Spikes Aren't Always Bad

Now, let’s clear something up: insulin spikes aren’t inherently bad. But downing sugary drinks before workouts? That’s not exactly the recipe for peak performance or muscle gains.

What is Cluster Dextrin®?

Enter Cluster Dextrin®. This powerhouse carb source doesn’t just deliver sustained energy; it’s easy on your gut and doesn’t spike insulin like its quick-carb counterparts (think dextrose, sucrose, maltodextrin).

Cluster Dextrin® vs. Traditional Carbohydrates

But what makes Cluster Dextrin® different?

Cluster Dextrin® – also known as Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD) – is crafted from amylopectin, a starch found in corn, using a specific enzyme. Unlike traditional maltodextrin with a low molecular weight, Cluster Dextrin® boasts a massive molecular weight of around 400,000 g/mol. For comparison, glucose is a mere 180 g/mol. This hefty structure makes Cluster Dextrin® super soluble, low in osmolality, and resistant to retrogradation.

Cluster Dextrin®: The Easy-to-Digest Carb

In plain English? Cluster Dextrin® drinks speed through the stomach and hit the small intestine fast, unlike those loaded with glucose or maltodextrin. Translation: it’s gentler on your stomach and doesn’t cause the gut discomfort some sports drinks do.

Steady Energy Without Spikes

Even better, Cluster Dextrin® gives you a steady rise in blood sugar over time. No energy rollercoasters. No insulin spikes. Just stable energy that lasts.

Cluster Dextrin® Benefits for Athletes

Whether you’re hitting the gym, trail, or track, Cluster Dextrin® can boost your endurance and help with recovery. Clinical studies show that athletes using HBCD outperform those on glucose or maltodextrin. One study found that elite swimmers who drank HBCD could push 90% of their peak effort 70% longer than those on glucose or plain water.

Cluster Dextrin® for Reduced Fatigue

Another study had 24 adults drink either HBCD or maltodextrin before a one-hour endurance workout. The result? Those on HBCD felt less exhausted, thanks to lower ratings of perceived exertion (RPE).

Pre-Workout Cluster Dextrin®

Quick carbs like dextrose and maltodextrin cause blood sugar spikes, delayed stomach emptying, and a “heavy stomach” sensation. Cluster Dextrin®, however, passes through the stomach quickly, keeping energy levels steady and letting athletes focus on performance instead of bloating or burnout.

Cluster Dextrin® for Recovery and Muscle Growth

Cluster Dextrin® post-workout replenishes glycogen and sets the stage for recovery, especially when paired with a quality protein source like whey isolate.

Does Cluster Dextrin® Spike Insulin?

Insulin plays a big role in clearing glucose from the bloodstream and is crucial for muscle growth. However, more insulin doesn’t mean better results. Overloading carbs can lead to fat storage, particularly in the liver, rather than muscle gain.

How Many Carbs for Muscle Growth?

For muscle building, aim for 2-3 g of carbs per lb of body weight. Endurance athletes may need 5-6 g for optimal performance. Cluster Dextrin® makes it easier to hit these targets without the energy crash or stomach upset. Pre-workout, 20-30 g of Cluster Dextrin® is a solid choice. Post-workout, 30-60 g of Cluster Dextrin® with 25-30 g of whey protein isolate helps refuel glycogen and jump-start recovery.

Carbs and Weight Loss

Want to stay lean? You don’t have to ditch carbs completely. Carbs help you preserve muscle while cutting body fat, especially if you’re active. You can reduce carbs, but cutting them entirely isn’t necessary. Remember, weight loss ultimately comes down to calorie balance, not just carbs.

How to Use Cluster Dextrin®

In summary, Cluster Dextrin® is a high-molecular-weight carb that’s quickly absorbed in the stomach and small intestine, providing a steady energy source for working muscles. Unlike dextrose, it has a low glycemic index, making it a reliable fuel source without the usual energy spikes and stomach upset.