Dextrose is a simple sugar; another name for it is glucose. Because it is a simple sugar, dextrose is quickly absorbed into the body because it doesn’t require a lot of energy to be broken down.
Some athletes and bodybuilders take dextrose supplements when they want to quickly replace glycogen in the muscles. Glycogen stores are depleted during a workout.
While dextrose can be beneficial for some individuals, it is not good for everyone. This article will discuss the sources of dextrose, uses of dextrose, the benefits, and who should stay away from it.
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Natural Sources of Dextrose At its simplest, dextrose is a natural sugar. This sugar is produced by a number of food sources, particularly starchy foods. Some of these include: Corn Wheat Arrowroot Rice Cassava Potato Honey Sweet fruit ... more
At its simplest, dextrose is a natural sugar. This sugar is produced by a number of food sources, particularly starchy foods. Some of these include:
There are other names which may be used to refer to dextrose. Some of these include wheat sugar, corn sugar, potato sugar, and rice sugar.
As a simple sugar, dextrose is easily delivered to cells of the body. As a result, it is used in a variety of ways.
If you have ever been in the hospital and needed an IV, you have probably experienced dextrose. It is one of the main ingredients in IVs that are designed to deliver calories and water to a patient who otherwise would not be able to get them. Dextrose also helps carry other medications via IV.
Dextrose tends to be less sweet than regular sugar. As a result, it is used as a replacement for sugar in a variety of ways. Dextrose is also used as a base in some artificial sweeteners.
Dextrose can also be used as a substitute in items that use table sugar, such as pudding, cake, breakfast cereal, candy, and other baked goods and desserts. Go to the Sugar Association website to find more uses for dextrose.
Dextrose places high in regards to the glycemic index, which means that it quickly causes insulin to respond. In pill form, dextrose can help raise blood sugar levels in someone who suffers from hypoglycemia or diabetes.
Dextrose is also used to deliver sugar quickly to the muscles, which can benefit athletes. However, most individuals will not benefit from taking dextrose and will actually notice more ill effects than good ones.
The best results occur when it is taken right away in the morning and right after an intense workout. Endurance athletes, such as marathon runners, may also take dextrose during a race when they feel their energy stores waning and they need a quick boost which won’t weigh them down.
During a long workout or race, fats and fibers can cause digestion to slow down. This will interfere with blood flow to the muscles and lead to digestive stress. Simple sugars have a much better effect.
The best way for many athletes to take dextrose is in a combination with glutamine and creatine. This will allow for the most favorable output of insulin.
Although dextrose can be beneficial in some circumstances, it is not good for everyone or at all times. Because dextrose stimulates an insulin response, this can cause problems for some individuals.
When insulin is controlled, your body is able to perform at a highly functional level. When there is too much insulin or not enough, certain health problems may arise. These include hypoglycemia, the accumulation of body fat, and diabetes.
The best way to control insulin and blood sugar is to take in a diet made up of mostly high fiber food with a low glycemic index. With its high glycemic index, dextrose can cause insulin levels to get too high and cause problems such as weight gain and even diabetes.
Dextrose is not high in quality nutrition. It is found in a lot of processed sweet snack foods as well as artificial sweeteners, which are not good for you in large amounts.
Dextrose does not contain protein, fiber, vitamins, or minerals. It should be taken minimally, if at all. There are other sugar sources that deliver other nutrients as well.
The USDA does not have a recommended daily allowance for dextrose. However, it’s been suggested that no more than 25% of your caloric intake should come from sugar in any form.
If you have any health problems, especially diabetes or hypoglycemia, and are considering taking dextrose, you should definitely speak with your health care provider before you take it.
With the changes it makes to insulin levels, you may experience major health issues if you are not careful and cautious. If you have any doubts, do not take it.
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Diabetes |
Hypoglycemia |
Causes Accumulation Of Body Fat |
Glucose |
Raises Blood Sugar Levels |
Stimulates Insulin Response |
Boosts Energy |
Sugar Substitute |
Sweetener |