Dextrose is the name of a simple sugar chemically identical to glucose (blood sugar) that is made from corn.
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Uses
- While dextrose is used in baking products as a sweetener, it also has medical purposes.
- Dextrose is dissolved in solutions that are given intravenously, which can be combined with other drugs, or used to increase a person’s blood sugar.
- Dextrose is also available as an oral gel or tablet. Because dextrose is a “simple” sugar, the body can quickly use it for energy.
Benefits
- Rich Carbohydrate Content: Dextrose is high in carbohydrates, as a 100 gram serving contains 92 gram of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are your body’s primary source of energy, so dextrose can be a good food supplement for athletes or other active individuals. Dextrose is higher in carbohydrates than even other carbohydrate-rich foods, such as spaghetti, which contains 30.86 gram of carbohydrates per 100 gram serving.
- Rapid Absorption: As nutrition researcher Dr. John Berardi explains on his website, PrecisionNutrition.com, dextrose is absorbed more quickly than whole foods, which can be crucial for post-workout recovery. According to Berardi, high-glycemic carbohydrates that can be consumed as a liquid — dextrose satisfies both requirements — can deliver nutrients to your muscles at a more rapid rate than whole foods, which can help you maximize the effects of your training sessions.
- Fat-Free: Dextrose contains no fat, which means it can be suitable for low-fat diet plans. Additionally, the lack of fat facilitates a more rapid rate of absorption, as that nutrient tends to slow digestion. Because it contains no fat, dextrose is free of saturated and trans fatty acids, which may increase your risk of heart disease.
- Sodium-Free: Dextrose contains no sodium, which can be beneficial for several reasons. While you do need some sodium for proper health, consuming too much of this nutrient may lead to water retention, which can give you a bloated appearance. Additionally, high sodium intake may increase your blood pressure.
- Cholesterol-Free: Dextrose contains no cholesterol. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, you should limit your daily cholesterol intake to 200 milligrams or less each day, as too much may increase your risk of heart disease.
Cautions
- A medical provider should not give dextrose to people with certain kinds of medical conditions. This is because the dextrose could potentially cause too-high blood sugar or fluid shifts in the body that lead to swelling or fluid buildup in the lungs.Examples of medical conditions where a person shouldn’t receive dextrose include:
- hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar
- hypokalemia, or low potassium levels in the blood
- peripheral edema, or swelling in the arms, feet, or legs
- pulmonary edema, or when fluids build up in the lungs
- Even if a person does not have these conditions, it is important to continually check a person’s blood sugar if he or she is receiving dextrose. This can ensure that the dextrose does not dangerously increase blood sugar.
- If you are diabetic and your doctor prescribes dextrose oral gel or tablets for you, these should only be used when you have a low blood sugar reaction. Your doctor or diabetes educator should teach you how to spot the signs of low blood sugar and when to use the tablets.
- If you need to have the gel or tablets on hand, you should keep them with you at all times and you should keep some at home. Your doctor should also explain to other family members when to use the gel or tablets, in case others need to give them to you.
- If you have an allergy to corn, you could have an allergic reaction to dextrose. Talk to your doctor before using it.
Interactions
- Please consult your nutritionist
Other names
n/a
References
Source: Healthline, http://www.healthline.com/health/dextrose#Uses3
Live Strong, http://www.livestrong.com/article/484352-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-dextrose/