Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD)
Also known as: Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin, HBCD, Cluster Dextrin
Produced via cyclic-glucanotransferase action on amylopectin, HBCD forms cluster-like macromolecules ~160 kDa that solubilise at low osmolality (≈4 mOsm/L) and clear the stomach faster than maltodextrin or glucose polymers.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-23 · 1 indexed study
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Overview
Highly branched cyclic dextrin (HBCD) is an enzymatically modified corn-starch carbohydrate with very high molecular weight and exceptionally low osmolality, enabling rapid gastric emptying without GI distress during exercise.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Empties the stomach rapidly due to low osmotic load, delivering glucose to the small intestine for SGLT1/GLUT2 absorption, replenishing muscle and liver glycogen and sparing endogenous stores.
Physiological Role
Provides exogenous carbohydrate substrate for working muscle, maintains blood glucose, attenuates cortisol rise, and reduces RPE during prolonged endurance work.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Studies in cyclists and triathletes show HBCD improves time-to-exhaustion and reduces GI discomfort vs. maltodextrin or glucose at equivalent carbohydrate loads (typically 60–90 g/h).
Evidence Review
No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.
Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 30 g pre/intra-session
- Optimal Range
- 60–90 g/hour during endurance
- Upper / Caution Level
- ~120 g/hour with split intake
- Timing
- Intra-workout, sipped every 10–15 min
- Best Format
- Powder dissolved in 6–8% solution
- Bioavailability
- Very high — gastric emptying ~25% faster than maltodextrin at equal kcal.
- Absorption Considerations
- Standard intestinal monosaccharide absorption after rapid hydrolysis; co-ingestion with fructose at 2:1 ratio raises oxidation ceiling.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Bloating at >120 g/h single-transporter intake
Contraindications
- Severe insulin resistance during rest
Drug Interactions
- •Insulin (dose adjustment)
Who Should Avoid
- •Ketogenic dieters in non-training contexts
Monitoring
None for healthy athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD) typically used or indicated?
Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD) is most commonly used for: Intra-workout carbohydrate, Endurance fuel, Glycogen replenishment, Low-osmolality hydration. Provides exogenous carbohydrate substrate for working muscle, maintains blood glucose, attenuates cortisol rise, and reduces RPE during prolonged endurance work.
How does Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD) work?
Empties the stomach rapidly due to low osmotic load, delivering glucose to the small intestine for SGLT1/GLUT2 absorption, replenishing muscle and liver glycogen and sparing endogenous stores.
What is the recommended dose of Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD)?
The optimal range is 60–90 g/hour during endurance. with a minimum effective dose of 30 g pre/intra-session. Best taken: Intra-workout, sipped every 10–15 min. Upper / caution level: ~120 g/hour with split intake.
What are the side effects of Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD)?
Reported side effects include: Bloating at >120 g/h single-transporter intake. Monitoring: None for healthy athletes.
Does Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD) interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Insulin (dose adjustment). Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD)?
Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD) is generally not recommended for: Ketogenic dieters in non-training contexts; and Severe insulin resistance during rest.
How strong is the evidence for Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD)?
Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 72/100), based on 1 indexed study on SuppIndex.
Research & References (1)
Effects of highly branched cyclic dextrin on exercise performance and post-exercise recovery
HBCD trial extended TTE by 23% vs maltodextrin with lower RPE and GI symptom scores.
Trademark Ingredients
Related Ingredients
Other top-rated ingredients in Ergogenic Compounds.
Creatine Monohydrate
94/100A naturally occurring nitrogenous organic acid that facilitates recycling of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in muscle and brain tissue via the phosphocreatine shuttle.
Maltodextrin
78/100Short-chain α-1,4 linked glucose polymer that is rapidly hydrolysed by brush-border maltase to glucose; near-equivalent glycaemic response to glucose but lower osmolality at concentration.
D-Ribose
72/100Randomized controlled trials of oral D-ribose report symptomatic and some echocardiographic improvements in patients with heart failure or coronary artery disease, while results for exercise performance in athletes are mixed or unfavourable. Short-term use as part of a nicotinamide+D-ribose product increased blood NAD+ metabolites in a small crossover trial.
Research Overview
Moderate EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/cyclic-dextrin
SuppIndex. (2026). Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD): Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/cyclic-dextrin
Based on 1 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Pairs well with sodium, fructose (2:1 glucose:fructose), and electrolytes. Stack with caffeine for endurance.