Cluster-Dextrin™: what is it, and why is it good?

When we were researching formulas and ingredients over the last year, I first heard about Cluster-Dextrin™ and was told it was the best carbohydrate on the market, perfect for endurance athletes. I didn't give up; I started looking for more information, tested it, and now I can say with a clear conscience that everything written about Cluster-Dextrin™ is true.

So what is it?

It is a highly branched cyclic dextrin, a super carbohydrate with high density and low osmolality. But what does that mean for endurance athletes? 

1) It has unparalleled benefits that are backed by data

Scientific studies have shown it outperforms traditional carbohydrates like maltodextrin and glucose. 

(a) Furuyashiki et al. (2014) demonstrated that athletes consuming Cluster-dextrin experienced significantly lower levels of perceived exertion than those using maltodextrin. This means that you can exert more effort while feeling less fatigued.

b) Shiraki et al. (2015) showed that swimmers who used Cluster-Dextrin™ instead of glucose or plain water delayed time to exhaustion by 70%. Translated, this translates to a significantly greater increase in endurance capacity.

c) A human clinical study of Cluster-Dextrin™ conducted in 2013 showed that during cycling performance, the group taking 15 grams of Cluster-Dextrin™ performed better than the group taking the same amount of maltodextrin.

(d) Suzuki et al. (2014) found that triathletes who consumed Cluster-Dextrin™ before a race had a reduced stress hormone response and lower urinary cytokine levels than those who took glucose. This suggests that Cluster-Dextrin™ reduces the inflammatory response to exercise, which in turn leads to increased performance and shorter recovery time.

2) It is gentle on the stomach

Endurance racing or heavy training requires high carbohydrate intake, which often leads to gastrointestinal problems. Cluster-dextrin™ passes quickly through the stomach, which means it causes virtually no stomach upset, even during the most challenging races. Say goodbye to performance-killing digestive problems.

3) Supports the immune system

Intense exercise can damage your immune system, but Cluster-dextrin™ has been shown to mitigate this effect better than other carbohydrates. It reduces stress hormones and inflammatory markers, keeping you healthier both during and after your toughest challenge

 4) You won't sugarcoat your mouth

Unlike oversweetened simple sugars, Cluster-dextrin™ has a mild taste. This reduces the risk of palate fatigue during long races, allowing you to maintain consistent carbohydrate fueling when it matters most.

5) It has a low glycemic index

This means it provides steady energy without spiking insulin levels and allows your body to continue to burn fat efficiently, which is key for endurance performance.

6) Stable, long-lasting energy

Forget the energy roller coaster. Cluster-dextrin™ provides a consistent, slow release of energy, keeping your blood sugar stable throughout your race. 

Is there a single best source of carbohydrates for endurance athletes? Yes, and we at ũnbeaten believe it's Cluster-dextrin™. No carbohydrate is good for performance when taken alone, but if there is one source, it would be us at Cluster-dextrin™. You'll find it in our range of Hyper-Fuel drinks.