Cyclodextrin: definition, benefits and usage advice

What are cyclodextrins?

Cyclodextrins are complex carbohydrates derived from maize starch, produced through an enzymatic process that makes them highly soluble and low on the glycaemic index. Unlike maltodextrins, cyclodextrins have a cyclic structure which gives them greater stability and a more controlled rate of absorption.

Thanks to these characteristics, they are particularly valued in the world of sport and functional nutrition for their ability to release energy more gradually, avoiding insulin spikes and promoting a constant supply of energy during training.

In short, if you’re wondering ‘what is cyclodextrin used for? ’, the answer is simple: to provide efficient, stable and easily digestible energy, ideal for endurance sports or high-intensity sessions.

Cyclodextrin vs maltodextrin: the main differences

When discussing carbohydrates for sports supplementation, people often wonder whether it is better to use cyclodextrin or maltodextrin. Both substances are derived from maize starch, but differ considerably in their chemical structure, rate of absorption and metabolic impact.

• Maltodextrins are linear polysaccharides that ensure a rapid release of glucose into the bloodstream; they are ideal for immediate energy replenishment but are not always suitable for long or intense training sessions, due to the risk of blood glucose spikes;
• Cyclodextrins, on the other hand, have a cyclic structure that allows for a more controlled release, preventing blood glucose fluctuations and improving gastrointestinal tolerance, particularly during prolonged physical exertion. They are therefore preferred by endurance athletes and powerlifters seeking a steady energy supply and optimal digestibility.

Is cyclodextrin bad for your health? Here’s what the science says

One of the most frequently asked questions is: is cyclodextrin bad for your health? According to current scientific literature, cyclodextrins are considered safe for the body, particularly in their highly branched form (Cluster Dextrin®), which is used in the sports sector.

They do not cause any significant side effects when taken at the recommended doses and are well tolerated even by those with a sensitive digestive system, unlike other fast-absorbing carbohydrates. In some particularly sensitive individuals, high doses may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, but these are isolated cases and can easily be avoided with correct use.

Their chemical structure makes them stable, water-soluble and ideal for consumption before, during or after training without any negative health effects, even in the long term.

When should cyclodextrin be taken?

Cyclodextrins are one of the most advanced sources of carbohydrates in the world of sport, but to make the most of their benefits, it is essential to take them at the right time.

Thanks to their controlled glycaemic index and rapid absorption without excessive insulin spikes, cyclodextrins can be used:

• Before training, to ensure a stable and constant energy supply
• During training, particularly in endurance sports or high-intensity workouts, to maintain high performance levels without causing stomach discomfort
• Post-workout, in combination with protein or amino acids, to speed up muscle recovery and replenish glycogen.

Cyclodextrins are particularly suitable during muscle-definition phases or for those following a low-glycaemic-load diet, thanks to their ability to release energy gradually but effectively.

Cyclodextrin as a pre-workout supplement

The use of cyclodextrin as a pre-workout supplement is becoming increasingly popular amongst athletes and bodybuilders seeking sustained energy and optimal performance right from the start of their training session.

Unlike other high-glycaemic-index carbohydrate sources, cyclodextrins are absorbed quickly but gradually, preventing insulin spikes and the resulting energy slumps (the ‘rebound’ effect).

Taking them 30 minutes before training, even in combination with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), creatine or caffeine, can:

• Improve muscular endurance
• Ensure greater mental clarity and concentration
• Reduce the risk of early fatigue
• Promote better muscle pump during training.

Thanks to these properties, cyclodextrins are proving to be one of the best choices amongst pre-workout supplements for elite athletes and discerning amateurs.

Cyclodextrin supplements from Tsunami Nutrition

Among the most popular products in the Tsunami Nutrition range is Glycopure Solocarb, a dietary supplement based on highly branched cyclodextrins (Cluster Dextrin™), specifically formulated to increase cell volume and optimise glycogen storage in muscle tissue. This formulation is characterised by high solubility, rapid absorption from the stomach into the bloodstream, and recognised compatibility with VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE and LACTOSE-FREE diets.

Thanks to an exclusive blend developed by Tsunami Nutrition’s R&D team, Glycopure Solocarb provides a constant source of energy, ideal for prolonged and intense sessions, optimising endurance and promoting better intra-workout recovery.