Evidence supporting the use of: Dextrose
For the health condition: Body Building

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Dextrose, a simple sugar (glucose), is commonly used in bodybuilding as a post-workout supplement. The primary scientific rationale centers around its rapid absorption and ability to quickly elevate blood glucose and insulin levels. After intense resistance training, muscle glycogen stores become depleted. Consuming dextrose post-workout helps replenish these glycogen stores more rapidly than complex carbohydrates or other sugars, due to its high glycemic index and fast intestinal absorption. Elevated insulin levels post-exercise not only facilitate glucose uptake into muscle cells but also promote the uptake of amino acids, which may support muscle protein synthesis and recovery. Some studies have shown that combining carbohydrates (like dextrose) with protein post-workout enhances muscle glycogen resynthesis and may improve subsequent performance and recovery compared to protein or carbohydrate alone. However, while the physiological basis is strong, direct evidence that dextrose supplementation uniquely enhances muscle growth or strength gains, as opposed to general carbohydrate intake, is limited. Most benefits relate to glycogen restoration and recovery rather than direct anabolic effects. The use of dextrose is thus scientifically grounded, but the necessity and superiority over other carb sources are not conclusively established in the literature. In summary, dextrose is scientifically justified for post-workout glycogen replenishment and recovery in bodybuilders, but its specific advantage over other carbs remains moderate in the evidence base.

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Other health conditions supported by dextrose

Body Building
Energy (lack of)
Exercise
Fatigue
Hypoglycemia

Products containing dextrose

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.