Sports drinks<\/strong> such as cyclodextrin are common among those who engage in physical exercise, as they help replenish fluid lost through sweat and provide an additional source of energy. This type of drink can delay fatigue caused by dehydration and the depletion of carbohydrate<\/strong> stores during prolonged activities. In addition, it has been shown that consuming carbohydrate-rich drinks before and during exercise<\/strong> can improve performance by delaying the use of liver and muscle glycogen. For this reason, the consumption of these drinks is widely recommended to optimize performance during moderate-to-high-intensity strength exercises. However, there is little clear evidence and some contradictory results regarding the effects of these drinks on performance during strength training.<\/p>\n A few years ago, cyclodextrin<\/strong>, or highly branched cyclic dextrin (HBCD), began to be considered as an alternative to other intra-workout<\/strong> carbohydrate sources, thanks to its better digestibility and ability to reduce gastrointestinal issues during exercise.<\/p>\n Recently, a new study evaluated its impact on performance during strength training<\/strong>. If you have ever wondered whether a carbohydrate drink can help you lift more weight or train at a higher intensity, this study offers some answers.<\/p>\n The study involved 30 trained individuals (15 men and 15 women) who completed training sessions that included bench presses, rows, and squats. During the sessions, they consumed a drink with HBCD (45 g diluted) compared with a placebo (without carbohydrates) to evaluate the effects on their performance.<\/p>\n Interestingly, women did not experience the same benefits as men. This could be related to differences in how each sex uses energy during exercise (bioenergetics), but further research is needed to confirm these hypotheses.<\/p>\n If you are a man looking for a boost to maintain your performance during high-intensity training, HBCD could be a beneficial option. It is a well-tolerated drink that appears to help maintain physical performance. However, the benefits for women may not be as evident with this approach and study design.<\/p>\n This study is only the beginning. If you decide to incorporate HBCD into your training routine, it is advisable to consult a professional to determine the best option according to your needs and goals.<\/p>\n Morenas-Aguilar, M. D., Miras-Moreno, S., Chac\u00f3n-Ventura, S., Mart\u00edn-Olmedo, J. J., Cwiklinska, M., Jim\u00e9nez-Mart\u00ednez, P., … & Garc\u00eda-Ramos, A. (2025). Highly branched cyclic dextrin supplementation and resistance training: A randomized double-blinded crossover trial examining mechanical, metabolic, and perceptual responses.\tClinical Nutrition ESPEN<\/em>,\t65<\/em>, 305-314.<\/p>\n Author: Marcos Rueda C\u00f3rdoba<\/p>\n\n\nWhat did they do in this study?<\/h2>\n
What did they find?<\/h3>\n
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What about women?<\/h3>\n
Conclusion about cyclodextrin:<\/strong><\/h2>\n