Dextrose
Also known as: D-glucose, glucose, corn sugar, dextrose monohydrate, anhydrous dextrose
Dextrose is crystalline D-glucose, usually produced by hydrolyzing corn starch. It is the simplest and fastest-absorbed carbohydrate available to formulators, needing no digestion before uptake through intestinal SGLT1 transporters. In sports products it is used as an intra-workout or post-workout fuel, as the glucose half of glucose-fructose blends, and as a carrier for creatine or electrolytes. It is sweet, highly soluble, and inexpensive, but hygroscopic, so blends need moisture control. Doses are expressed in grams.
Research summary
Absorbed via SGLT1 and oxidized directly or stored as muscle glycogen; single-transporter carbohydrate oxidation plateaus at roughly 60 g per hour.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 g | 10–30 g | 60 g | — |
Dosed in grams per serving. Guidance for prolonged exercise (2-3 h) is up to about 60 g/h of a single carbohydrate such as glucose; above that, glucose must be combined with fructose to reach 90 g/h, so dose_max_studied reflects the 60 g/h single-source ceiling. The ISSN nutrient-timing stand supports carbohydrate around training for glycogen resynthesis. Dissolve in 500-750 mL water to keep the solution near 6-8% for gastric comfort.
Standardization: Food-grade dextrose monohydrate or anhydrous (declare which; monohydrate is about 91% glucose by weight)
Source material: corn starch hydrolysate, crystallized
As supplied: Dextrose monohydrate carries about 9% water of crystallization; anhydrous grade is 100% glucose
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Powder only at these gram doses. Hygroscopic and prone to caking; use desiccant packs and moisture-barrier packaging.
Formulation notes
Counts as added sugar on the Nutrition Facts panel. Corn-derived; not a major allergen but note for corn-sensitive positioning. High glycemic response by design, which conflicts with low-sugar or keto claims.
Sources
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
Cluster Dextrin (Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin)
OtherHighly 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.
Typical: 15–30 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