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    Ergogenic CompoundsNatural

    Vitargo

    Also known as: Barley starch glycogen-replenisher, Vitargo

    A fractionated amylopectin polymer (~500–700 kDa) producing very low solution osmolality (<10 mOsm/L) and rapid post-gastric absorption.

    Last reviewed: 2026-06-23 · 1 indexed study

    Evidence Score
    68/100
    Rapid glycogen replenishmentFast intra-workout carbTwo-a-day training recovery
    Data Completeness3/4 · 75%
    Evidence ScoreDosageSafetyLinked Studies

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    Overview

    Vitargo is a patented high-molecular-weight, low-osmolality carbohydrate derived from barley starch that empties from the stomach quickly and replenishes glycogen faster than maltodextrin in studies.

    Mechanism & Function

    Mechanism of Action

    Replenishes muscle glycogen ~70% faster than maltodextrin within first 2 hours post-exercise; provides intra-workout fuel without GI distress.

    Physiological Role

    Validated for rapid recovery between same-day sessions (e.g. tournament play, two-a-day training) and as an intra-workout fuel.

    Primary Pathways

    Gastric emptyingGlycogen synthase activationSGLT1 absorption

    Performance / Health Relevance

    RCTs in cyclists show 23% improved subsequent-session performance after Vitargo vs maltodextrin in a 2-hour recovery window.

    Evidence Review

    Overall68/100
    Human Clinical72/100
    Meta-AnalysisN/A

    No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.

    Mechanistic80/100
    Real-World70/100
    Safety92/100

    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
    50 g post-exercise
    Optimal Range
    1 g/kg within 30 min post-exercise
    Upper / Caution Level
    ~120 g per session
    Timing
    Immediate post-exercise; intra for endurance
    Best Format
    Powder
    Bioavailability
    Rapid — outpaces maltodextrin in gastric emptying.
    Absorption Considerations
    Standard intestinal glucose pathway after rapid hydrolysis.

    Safety & Interactions

    Side Effects

    • •Bloating at very high doses

    Contraindications

    • Coeliac disease (barley source)

    Drug Interactions

    • •Insulin

    Who Should Avoid

    • •Gluten-sensitive individuals

    Monitoring

    None.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.

    When is Vitargo typically used or indicated?

    Vitargo is most commonly used for: Rapid glycogen replenishment, Fast intra-workout carb, Two-a-day training recovery. Validated for rapid recovery between same-day sessions (e.g. tournament play, two-a-day training) and as an intra-workout fuel.

    How does Vitargo work?

    Replenishes muscle glycogen ~70% faster than maltodextrin within first 2 hours post-exercise; provides intra-workout fuel without GI distress.

    What is the recommended dose of Vitargo?

    The optimal range is 1 g/kg within 30 min post-exercise. with a minimum effective dose of 50 g post-exercise. Best taken: Immediate post-exercise; intra for endurance. Upper / caution level: ~120 g per session.

    What are the side effects of Vitargo?

    Reported side effects include: Bloating at very high doses. Monitoring: None.

    Does Vitargo interact with medications?

    Known or theoretical interactions: Insulin. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.

    Who should avoid Vitargo?

    Vitargo is generally not recommended for: Gluten-sensitive individuals; and Coeliac disease (barley source).

    How strong is the evidence for Vitargo?

    Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 68/100), based on 1 indexed study on SuppIndex.

    Research & References (1)

    Effect of Vitargo carbohydrate ingestion on resistance exercise performance

    RCT2016Moderate
    PubMed

    Vitargo group performed 23% more work in second bout.

    Trademark Ingredients

    Vitargo®

    Manufacturer:

    Related Ingredients

    Other top-rated ingredients in Ergogenic Compounds.

    Creatine Monohydrate

    94/100

    A naturally occurring nitrogenous organic acid that facilitates recycling of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in muscle and brain tissue via the phosphocreatine shuttle.

    Maltodextrin

    78/100

    Short-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.

    Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD)

    72/100

    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.

    Research Overview

    Moderate Evidence
    1Total Studies
    1Human Trials
    0Meta-Analyses
    2016Latest Study
    0Animal / In Vitro
    1Athlete Studies
    Primary data sourceAthletes
    Pooled evidence (meta-analysis / systematic review)No
    Athlete-specific data1 studies

    Cite 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/vitargo

    SuppIndex. (2026). Vitargo: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/vitargo

    Based on 1 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.

    Goal Ratings

    Recovery
    Endurance
    Muscle Gain

    Stack Compatibility

    Pair with whey, electrolytes, and creatine for post-workout.

    Whey ProteinCreatineElectrolytes