Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Highly branched cyclic dextrin (HBCD) is a type of carbohydrate used in sports nutrition, particularly among bodybuilders and endurance athletes. Its use is scientifically justified primarily as an intra- or post-workout carbohydrate source due to its unique structural properties. HBCD is produced from amylopectin and has a high molecular weight with low osmolarity, allowing for rapid gastric emptying and quick absorption in the intestines. This results in less gastrointestinal discomfort compared to other carbohydrate sources like maltodextrin or glucose.

Several small-scale studies indicate that HBCD can help rapidly replenish glycogen stores and maintain stable blood glucose during intense exercise, which is beneficial for prolonged or high-intensity workouts. For example, a few randomized, controlled trials have shown improved endurance performance and reduced perceived exertion in athletes consuming HBCD compared to other carbohydrates. Additionally, HBCD is less likely to cause bloating or stomach upset, making it a practical choice for athletes during training or competition.

However, while there is a growing body of research supporting HBCD’s advantages in sports performance and recovery, most studies are limited in scale and often conducted in trained male athletes. There is not yet robust, large-scale evidence directly linking HBCD to increases in muscle mass or strength beyond what would be expected from optimal carbohydrate intake in general. Thus, while use in bodybuilding is scientifically justified for energy and recovery, the evidence base is moderate rather than strong.

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Other ingredients used for Body Building

7-Keto-DHEA
Acetyl L-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
anchovies
ashwagandha
aspartic acid
beta-alanine
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
Coleus forskohlii
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
gelatin
ginseng
greens blend (proprietary)
hydroxycitric acid
l-isoleucine
iron
L-cysteine
L-glutamine
L-glycine
L-leucine
L-methionine
L-ornithine
L-valine
magnesium
maltodextrin
Milk
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
protein
Almond fruit
vitamin D
Whey protein
Zinc
wheat germ
Algae
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2a, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one
4-DHEA
arginine alpha ketoglutarate
arachidonic acid
Arginine malate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
anti-aromatase
animal protein
Beef Protein
beef
Beef liver
bovine protein
beta-lactoglobulin
ba ji tian
banana
chia seed
casein
cardarine
Citrus
capsaicin
capsiate
chicken
D-Aspartic Acid
dihydrocapsiate
deer velvet
D-Ribose
dextrose
eurycomanone
egg
Eurycoma Longifolia
ecdysteroids
Ethyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
ecdysterone
Egg protein
fungus
Fadogia agrestis
forskolin
glucose
hydroxymethylbutyrate
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
Isoleucine
ketosterones
leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
lactalbumin
lactoglobulin
lipids
Marine protein
Milk Protein
Phytoecdysteroid
Protodioscin
Phosphatidic Acid
Palatinose
propionate ester
Peptides
Rhaponticum
Synephrine
Safed musli
Ursolic Acid
Yohimbine
Zucchini

Other health conditions supported by Highly branched cyclic dextrin

Athletic and Exercise Aids
Body Building
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Exercise
Fatigue

Products containing Highly branched cyclic dextrin

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.