Bestseller
4.68/5.0 87 Reviews
Cyclic Dextrin
Fast-Acting Carb Powder
Transparent Labs Cyclic Dextrin is a scientifically formulated carbohydrate supplement that enhances workout performance and muscle recovery ... View Ingredient Breakdown
Bestseller
Transparent Labs Cyclic Dextrin is a scientifically formulated carbohydrate supplement that enhances workout performance and muscle recovery by bolstering glycogen stores and providing extra energy when you need it most. Each serving delivers 25g of patented Cluster Dextrin®, a novel form of maltodextrin known as highly branched cyclic dextrin.
Unlike many carbohydrate powders and sports beverages, Cluster Dextrin® rapidly passes through the stomach and enters the small intestine, where it's slowly absorbed into the bloodstream.
As such, Cluster Dextrin® is preferable for athletes and gym-goers since it won't cause sharp swings in blood sugar or lead to gastrointestinal (GI) distress/upset stomach.
Key Features
- Patented Carbohydrate Powder: Each scoop delivers 25g of Cluster Dextrin®, a superior carbohydrate that supports quick gastric emptying and sustained energy without sharp blood sugar swings.
- Easily Digestible Endurance Fuel: Avoid the common pitfalls of carbohydrate dietary supplements made with insulin-spiking dextrose and maltodextrin that often cause GI distress and stomach issues.
- Versatile Workout Supplement: Cluster Dextrin® can be used pre-workout, intra-workout, and/or post-workout depending on your nutrition needs. We recommend using it pre-workout to fuel intense training and post-workout—along with whey protein—to kickstart the muscle recovery process and replenish muscle glycogen stores.
- Pure Single-Ingredient Formula: Our carbohydrate powder is unflavored, gluten-free, and free from artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives. Add it to your favorite pre-workout and/or post-workout supplement to foster an anabolic environment, enhance muscle-building, and perform your best.
- Third-Party Tested: Like all Transparent Labs products, each batch of our carbohydrate powder is third-party tested for purity and potency.
No Artificial Sweeteners
No Artificial Coloring
Gluten-Free and Non-GMO
Why Use a Carbohydrate Powder Supplement? | Carbohydrate supplements are a practical way of fueling your body with an efficient energy source before, during, and after intense exercise. Our carbohydrate powder features clinically studied Cluster Dextrin®, which has desirable digestive and physiological characteristics. This unique carbohydrate allows athletes and gym-goers to improve their performance and muscle recovery without digestive discomfort associated with fast-acting carbohydrates like dextrose and maltodextrin. |
Does Carb Powder Help Build Muscle Mass? | Carbohydrate powders won't significantly stimulate muscle protein synthesis without concomitant ingestion of a protein source, such as whey protein. However, taking carbohydrate powder with protein can significantly bolster muscle protein synthesis and contribute to increased muscle growth. |
Does TL Cyclic Dextrin Contain Complex Carbohydrates or Fast-Acting Carbohydrates? | Cluster Dextrin® (highly branched cyclic dextrin) is technically a complex carbohydrate since it's comprised of many glucose polymers. However, its distinctive physicochemical properties make it a source of both rapid and long-lasting energy, leading to consistent blood sugar balance instead of "peaks" and "valleys." |
Are Carb Supplements Good for Bulking? | Absolutely. If your goal is muscle gain or effective refueling post-workout, carb supplements like carb powder are a great way to increase your carbohydrate and calorie intake conveniently and affordably. |
Should I Use a Carb Supplement for Muscle Recovery? | For anyone serious about their training and leading an active lifestyle, adding a natural whole foods-based carb supplement to your diet is highly beneficial. It supports long-lasting energy and enhances workout recovery. |
Should You Take Carb Powder Pre-Workout or Post-Workout? | Incorporate Cyclic Dextrin both 1 to 4 hours before your workout for fuel and within approximately 60 minutes after exercising for optimal muscle repair and recovery. Combining carbs with protein enhances both energy for your workout and muscle synthesis afterwards. |
Does Transparent Labs Ship to My Country? | Transparent Labs offers worldwide shipping, with exceptions due to high fraudulent activity in specific countries: Albania, Algeria, India, Lithuania, Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Tunisia, and Ukraine. |
When Will My Order Be Shipped Out? | All orders are dispatched the following business day, ensuring that your product reaches you as quickly as possible. |
Does This Product Contain Nuts? | While our products are processed in a facility that handles nuts (including coconuts and peanuts), we implement a rigorous allergen control program to clean and sanitize our equipment between runs to prevent cross-contamination. |
| Cluster Dextrin® (Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin) | 25g per serving | Cluster Dextrin is a patented form of highly branched cyclic dextrin, an atypical carbohydrate made from waxy maize amylopectin using branching enzymes that introduce extensive branching into its molecular structure. In turn, highly branched cyclic dextrin has a molecular weight of ~400,000 g/mol, far exceeding that of dextrose (180 g/mol) and maltodextrin (400-2,000 g/mol) found in most carbohydrate supplements [1]. The high molecular weight of highly branched cyclic dextrin imparts high water solubility, very low osmolality, and resistance to retrogradation. As such, Cluster Dextrin® is easier to tolerate for athletes and won’t cause the gastrointestinal discomfort of conventional sports drinks [2]. Numerous clinical studies have shown that athletes given highly branched cyclic dextrin pre-workout experience significantly greater peak performance capacity and reduced rates of perceived exertion (RPE) compared to those given sports beverages with dextrose/glucose or maltodextrin. For example, elite swimmers who consumed an equal-volume, isocaloric solution of highly branched cyclic dextrin before exercise were able to swim at 90% of their peak capacity for roughly 70% longer than those who drank either glucose/dextrose or plain water [3]. Interestingly, the swimmers who consumed dextrose-based sports beverages performed no better than those in the plain water (placebo) group, casting doubt on the efficacy of carbohydrate powders made with dextrose and maltodextrin. Another study compared the effects of relatively low doses (15 g) of highly branched cyclic dextrin and maltodextrin in 24 healthy adult volunteers. Subjects carried out one hour of endurance training on two separate occasions and were randomly assigned a solution with either 15 g of HBCD or 15 g of maltodextrin to be consumed immediately before each bout. The researchers found that the increase in rates of perceived exertion was significantly lower after consuming highly branched cyclic dextrin than after consuming maltodextrin [4]. Supplementing with Cluster Dextrin® after training helps replenish muscle glycogen and create a more anabolic environment for maximal recovery, especially when combined with a quality protein source like grass-fed whey isolate [5, 6]. |
Clinically Dosed, All Natural.
Science-Backed Formulas, Clinically Effective Dosages.
No Artificial Sweeteners, Fillers, or Dyes.
3rd-Party Lab Tested.
Explore Our Products
Creatine HMB
BULK Pre-Workout
LEAN Pre-Workout
BCAA Glutamine
BULK Pre-Workout
LEAN Pre-Workout
Creatine HMB
BCAA Glutamine
