Cluster Dextrin (Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin)
Also known as: highly branched cyclic dextrin, HBCD, cyclic cluster dextrin, cyclic dextrin, Cluster Dextrin
Highly branched cyclic dextrin (HBCD) is a glucose polymer made by acting on amylopectin with a branching enzyme, producing large cyclic molecules with a narrow molecular-weight distribution. Its low osmolality lets it empty from the stomach quickly and dissolve clearly in water without the sweetness of dextrose. Trials have compared it with maltodextrin during endurance and resistance exercise, mainly on perceived exertion and metabolic markers. It is used in intra-workout, endurance, and mass-gain powders as a premium carbohydrate source, dosed in grams.
Research summary
Low osmotic pressure and high molecular weight speed gastric emptying relative to maltodextrin, delivering glucose for oxidation and glycogen storage with less gut discomfort.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 g | 15–30 g | 45 g | — |
Dosed in grams per serving. A crossover trial used 15 g HBCD versus maltodextrin during endurance exercise (basis for dose_min); a 2025 resistance-training crossover trial delivered 45 g in 750 mL sipped between sets (basis for dose_max_studied). Usually dissolved at 5-8% in water and consumed during or immediately after training.
Standardization: Declare as highly branched cyclic dextrin; typical DE (dextrose equivalent) below 5
Source material: enzymatically cyclized amylopectin from waxy corn starch
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Powder only at these gram doses. Dissolves clear with minimal sweetness; suited to intra-workout drink mixes.
Formulation notes
Corn-derived. Cluster Dextrin is a registered trademark of Glico Nutrition; generic HBCD may be sourced from other suppliers but the branded name requires a license. Counts as total carbohydrate, not added sugar.
Sources
- Effects of ingesting highly branched cyclic dextrin during endurance exercise on rating of perceived exertion and blood components associated with energy metabolism. (Furuyashiki 2014)PubMed
- Highly branched cyclic dextrin supplementation and resistance training: A randomized double-blinded crossover trial examining mechanical, metabolic, and perceptual responses. (Morenas-Aguilar 2025)PubMed
Related ingredients
Maltodextrin
OtherMaltodextrin is a partially hydrolyzed starch consisting of short glucose chains, characterized by a dextrose-equivalent (DE) value that indicates how far the starch has been broken down.
Typical: 15–30 g
Dextrose
OtherDextrose is crystalline D-glucose, usually produced by hydrolyzing corn starch.
Typical: 10–30 g
Caffeine Anhydrous
Sports performancePurified, dehydrated caffeine — the standard stimulant in pre-workouts, energy, and focus products.
Typical: 100–200 mg
Beta-Alanine
Sports performanceA non-essential amino acid that combines with histidine to form carnosine, the main intramuscular buffer of hydrogen ions during intense exercise.
Typical: 3.2–6.4 g
L-Citrulline
Sports performanceA non-protein amino acid that the kidneys convert to arginine, raising plasma arginine more efficiently than oral arginine itself.
Typical: 6–8 g