What is dextrose?
Dextrose is the name of a simple sugar made from corn or wheat that’s chemically identical to glucose, or blood sugar. The D-isomer (D-glucose), also known as dextrose, occurs widely in nature, but the L-isomer (L-glucose) does not. Glucose is the human body’s key source of energy and can be obtained by hydrolysis of carbohydrates such as milk, cane sugar, maltose, cellulose, glycogen etc. It is, however, manufactured by hydrolysis of corn starch by steaming and diluting acid. Corn starch, where glucose comes from, is a chain composed of dextrose chains. Hydrolysis is a process that works to break down these chains and create dextrose in bulk. A common way to do this is to treat starch with the enzyme’s amylase, or treatment with acid, which imitates the processes that occur naturally. In the body, digestion of starch starts in the mouth with saliva, or enzyme amylase. Manufacturers have taken the natural process and replicated it in their production methods.
Uses & Applications
In Food & beverages
Dextrose can be used in Food, Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Health & Personal care products and Agriculture/Animal Feed/Poultry. Dextrose is widely used in confectioneries, cakes, beverages, biscuits, cookies, jams, jellies, spices, and honey products. It is odourless, water-soluble and a white crystalline powder and works as an excellent binder that has a sweet taste. It is commonly used as a sweetener, texturizing agent, or as a fermentation substrate (for the beer lovers).
In Health & Nutrition
In the Bodybuilding world, Dextrose is used as a post-workout supplement to replenish glycogen stores. Glycogen is a form of glucose that the body stores for energy. When someone does an intense workout, the body uses up some of its stored glycogen. Many bodybuilders add dextrose tablets or powder to water and drink it following a workout to replenish those glycogen stores as quickly as possible to help with muscle repair. During the muscle repair process, muscles increase in strength and size, both essential outcomes for bodybuilders. However, it is essential to carefully monitor blood sugar levels when using dextrose to avoid experiencing symptoms of high blood sugar.
Dextrose can be beneficial for your health if consumed in moderation as it can be used as a carrier for Vitamin C and other molecules. Dextrose can also help with fatigue caused by mental exertion, therefore, eating foods containing dextrose could help you during examinations or other tasks requiring intense focus. Doctors also use it to treat low blood sugar and dehydration, as well as to provide nutrition.
In Personal Care
Dextrose can be used in the formulation of bath products, cleansing products, eye makeup, skin care and hair care products in Cosmetics and personal care products.
Manufacturers & Distributors
Bragan Ingredients offers Dextrose Monohydrate from the world’s top manufactures – therefore high quality, food safety and security throughout that supply chain can be assured. It is GMO-free and suitable for Halal, Kosher, and even Vegan products. The product is packed in 25kg bags as a standard but can be packed in 1-ton bags.
Written by Henk Hanekom