Powder glucose is simply glucose in powdered, or dried form. Glucose is a monosaccharide sugar important in a variety of cellular processes. It is made by plants during photosynthesis and used by both plants and animals to obtain energy. Powder glucose is marketed to bodybuilders wanting a post-workout insulin rush. Typically added to post-workout shakes, powdered glucose provides quick energy after exercise.
Chemistry
Glucose is a six-carbon sugar molecule that provides quick energy for cells. It has a chemical formula of C6H12O6, indicating six carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms and six oxygen atoms for every one molecule of glucose. It is the primary sugar used in a variety of biochemical processes in the body, including glycolysis and the citric acid cycle, the processes by which the body obtains most of its energy.
Energy
In cells, the six-carbon glucose molecule is converted to two three-carbon pyruvate molecules, producing a small amount of energy. Pyruvate molecules, in the presence of oxygen, can enter the citric acid cycle, then produce a significant amount of energy for the cell. When cells output more energy than they have immediately available, they can use the stored glucose molecules as a source for more energy.
Stored glucose is in the form of glycogen, polymers of glucose molecules linked together. Cells break apart these linkages, releasing free glucose to provide more energy to the cell. When energy needs are low, and glucose intake is high, more glucose is stored as glycogen.
After a workout, energy stores can be low, especially in serious athletes. Powdered glucose provides the replacement glucose for any glucose that was released from the glycogen stores during the workout.
Nutrition
One ounce of powdered glucose contains 110 calories and 27 grams of carbs in the form of pure sugar. To work off this amount of calories, a person would need to walk for 31 minutes, jog for 13 minutes, swim for 9 minutes or cycle for 17 minutes.
Excess Glucose
The level of glucose in healthy humans is constantly monitored by the body. If, however, the level of glucose is too high, it can be toxic. Excess glucose contributes to diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness. Therefore, it is essential that powdered glucose be taken in moderation and only in relation to the amount of energy that has been expended or will be expended in a workout.
Low Blood Glucose
Hypoglycemia is also known as low blood glucose or low blood sugar. When blood glucose levels fall, a pancreatic hormone called glucagon signals the liver to break down glycogen and release more glucose into the blood stream. If this signaling is impaired, a person can experience hypoglycemia, which can also be caused by certain medications, diseases, hormone deficiencies, enzyme deficiencies or even tumors. Symptoms include confusion, clumsiness and fainting and in severe cases, seizures, coma and even death.
Hypoglycemia, however, is quickly and easily treatable. Powdered glucose or any glucose-rich food consumed by the person increases the blood glucose levels and relieves the symptoms.
