UPC: 733739069245
# N6924

The Benefits of Dextrose

Dextrose, also known as glucose, is a simple sugar that is the primary source of energy for the body. Dextrose stimulates the body to drive not only glucose, but amino acids and other nutrients into cells. Dextrose thus makes energy readily available to working muscles and helps to maintain glycogen stores. From an athletic performance perspective, it can help fuel intense activity, maintain exercise endurance, and support recovery from exercise. In addition, dextrose also helps to make important nutrients, such as creatine and branched-chain aminos, available for use by muscle tissue. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of dextrose.

How Dextrose Works

Dextrose is rapidly absorbed and quickly elevates blood sugar levels.* It stimulates insulin release from the pancreas, which in turn promotes the uptake of glucose (and amino acids) into cells.* Insulin also inhibits the breakdown of glycogen (stored carbohydrate) in muscle tissue and encourages its re-synthesis from glucose.* Therefore, consumption of dextrose during or after activity can help to replenish glycogen stores and support recovery from intense training sessions.*

The Role of Dextrose in Exercise Performance

Dextrose is often consumed before or during exercise in order to help maintain blood sugar levels and enable working muscles to access stored glycogen.* This is especially important in events lasting longer than 90 minutes when stored glycogen may become depleted.* During shorter duration exercise sessions however, performance may actually be impaired with dextrose consumption due to the potential for gastric distress.* Instead, water or a lower carbohydrate sports drink providing 5-7% carbohydrate may be a better option before exercise.

Practical Recommendations

  • If your goal is to improve exercise performance, take 30-60 minutes before exercise begins.
  • Begin with a small amount (2-3 grams per kilogram bodyweight) and increase gradually over several days or weeks if needed until you find what works best for you.
  • If your goal is to support post-exercise recovery, consume immediately after exercise ends. Research suggests that carbohydrate consumption within 30 minutes post-exercise maximizes glycogen re-synthesis rates.* A small amount (1 gram per kilogram bodyweight) consumed immediately post-workout should suffice. You can then consume additional carbohydrates as part of your next meal if needed.
  • Add flavorings as desired such as lemon juice or fruit slices to enhance taste and increase water intake if necessary. Drinking too much at one time however can lead to abdominal discomfort so start with small amounts and work up gradually if needed. Consume with food if gastric distress occurs.

In Summary:

Dextrose is a simple sugar that is the primary source of energy for the body. Dextrose stimulates the body to drive not only glucose, but amino acids and other nutrients into cells. Dextrose thus makes energy readily available to working muscles and helps to maintain glycogen stores. From an athletic performance perspective, it can help fuel intense activity, maintain exercise endurance, and support recovery from exercise. In addition, dextrose also helps to make important nutrients, such as creatine and branched-chain aminos, available for use by muscle tissue. If you're looking for a way to improve your exercise performance or support your post-exercise recovery, consider adding dextrose to your nutrition plan!

Suggested Usage: Mix 2 level tablespoons of dextrose powder in 16 oz. of water or juice. Consume before, during and after intense exercise for best results. Double this recipe if engaging in prolonged exertion of 2 hours or more.

Store in a cool, dry, dark place after opening.

Supplement Facts

Serving Size: 2 Level Tablespoons (approx. 20 g)

Servings Per Container: about 227

Description Amount per Serving % Daily Value

Calories 70

Total Carbohydrate 18 g 7%**

Total Sugars 18 g

†Daily Value not established.

Includes 18g Added Sugars 0 36%**

Dextrose Powder 20 g

†Daily Value not established.

**Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Ingredients: Dextrose Powder.

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Caution: For adults only. Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, including diabetes. Keep out of reach of children.

Dextrose can be consumed before, during, and after the most intense training sessions. NOW® Sports Dextrose is derived from non-GMO corn and manufactured under NOW’s strict quality standards.

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

This product is sold by weight not volume.

Packaged and quality tested in the USA.

Store in a cool, dry, dark place after opening.


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