Dextrose is a sugar additive commonly found in candy, sweets, soft drinks and some sports beverages. Essentially a liquefied version of glucose, dextrose acts to shorten the sweetness perception of a food, enhancing the original food flavor. Like all sugars, dextrose can add to the glycemic index of foods, increasing your chances of experiencing a spike in blood sugar levels.
Definition
Like sucrose, dextrose is a kind of sugar produced from corn that is found in a variety of foods and drinks. In addition to enhancing flavor, dextrose is often used to increase the shelf life of certain foods by inhibiting oxidative degradation or decay. The sugar compounds, dextrose monohydrate and anhydrous dextrose are also used as bulking agents for some foods. Originally a competitor for refined sugars made from beet and cane sources, dextrose is now often used in conjunction with other sugars.
Availability
Although most dextrose originates from cornstarch, other varieties, such as rice and wheat, are also commercially available. Dextrose is frequently found in baking products such as cake mixes and frostings, crackers, pretzels, cookies and custards. Honey contains naturally occurring quantities of dextrose, while most sweets and dessert foods are high in added dextrose.
Dextrose for Bodybuilders
Dextrose has become a common supplement for bodybuilders seeking to boost their recovery times. The high glycemic index of dextrose offers benefits in the form of a sharp post-workout insulin spike, according to BodyBuilding.com, also noting that it immediately provides blood glucose to the injured muscles, reducing the amount of time your muscles remain sore between workouts,. As a result, exercise shakes, sports drinks and liquid dextrose supplements are common items in some gyms and health food stores.
Safety Concerns
Due to its high glycemic index, dextrose may cause unpleasant symptoms if taken in excess or in place of healthier ingredients. Diets that emphasize high GI foods may cause repeated spikes and crashes in blood sugar as your body quickly processes the liquid glucose to blood glucose. Talk to your doctor or dietitian to find the best healthy sources of dextrose for your diet.
References
- The Sugar Association: Other Caloric Sweeteners
- MedlinePlus; Sweeteners - Sugars; May 5, 2011
- Cargill Corporate; Food Ingredients: Functional Properties; 2011
- BodyBuilding.com: Stack-Up Your Post-Workout Shake With Dextrose; Alex Stewart; Oct. 25, 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Glycemic Index Diet: What's Behind The Claims?; Aug. 24, 2011
