Energy gels are composed of many ingredients. Maltodextrin
is one of the ingredient in an energy gel. It is one of the most essential
ingredient, as it provides the actual energy that the body needs to keep on functioning
& running.
Maltodextrin is basically a polysaccharide that is produced
from starch by partial enzymatic hydrolysis of starch. Maltodextrin has a
dextrose equivalence of less than 20 which indicates that it has lengthy carbohydrate
chains along with 2-3% glucose and 5-7% maltose. It is available in a white
hygroscopic spray-dried powder which is slightly sweet or almost flavorless. Similar
to dextrose, maltodextrin is a high glycemic index carbohydrate that is mainly
used by athletes post workout to basically replenish muscle glycogen levels and
kick-start recovery. Although, actually speaking maltodextrin is a complex
carbohydrate, unlike dextrose which is a simple carbohydrate. Maltodextrin is
quickly digested and broken down into glucose and acts more like a simple sugar
and has a glycemic index of 105 since it has such an effect on the blood sugar
levels. The U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has accepted maltodextrin
as a safe food additive. It is also included in the nutritional value of food
as part of the total carbohydrate count.
The body requires carbohydrates to function. For most
people, the body burns carbs until they are no longer available and then switch
to burning fat. This can cause a lag in energy. Eating carbohydrates earlier on
in a long run will allow the body to start burning fat earlier, making the
transition from burning carbs to burning fat faster. Since maltodextrin is a
chain of easily-digested glucose molecules, it will result in a slightly slower
release of energy compared to eating a spoonful of straight glucose.
Maltodextrin provides the body with a steady release of energy so the body can
start to break down fat to consume as fuel. This essentially helps one from
tiring down during a long run.
As stated maltodextrin is most popularly used by athletes to
replenish the muscle glycogen levels after a strenuous exercise, but researchers
at the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada more
importantly found that for strength athletes, consuming protein with
maltodextrin improved protein synthesis. Another researcher, Krista R. Howarth
et al (2009) theorized this is mainly to do with the spike in insulin levels
which is caused by maltodextrin since this in turn would help the protein and
amino acids to shuttle to the muscles which would permit them to begin
repairing.
Maltodextrin is also basically flavorless, thus making it a
good choice for exercise nutrition products. Energy gels which include
maltodextrin may taste a little less sweet than gels that do not contain
maltodextrin.
Fast&Up
Energy Gel is a unique combination of Maltodextrin and Caffeine
in a compact and easily transported form to help provide an instant energy
boost of approximately 102 Kcal in a single serving gel sachet. With the
proprietary Liquid gel technology, Fast&Up
Energy Gel helps ensure quick absorption for a power-packed and unmatched
performance. Empower your energy now with a new delicious Strawberry-Banana
flavor that is Ready-for-Consumption and helps provide performance surge which
is easy to ingest and light to digest. This tasty on-the-go Fast&Up Energy Gel is 100%
vegetarian and is convenient to carry during any sport and is easy to
use.
Nutrition Supplement Geek
With a vast experience and keen interest in nutrition, lifestyle, health and supplements, she is always up for a challenge be it marketing or going technical. Her work focusses on encouraging other... Read More
