What Is Maltodextrin and How Do You Use It?
What is Maltodextrin?
Before discussing how to use maltodextrin effectively as an athlete, it is important to understand exactly what it is. Maltodextrin is a source of complex carbohydrates that are quickly digested and absorbed by the body. It is derived from plant-based starch sources, where long carbohydrate chains are enzymatically broken down into shorter chains. This allows maltodextrin to dissolve easily in water and be efficiently absorbed by the body.
The result is a mildly sweet powder that provides an ideal base for sports nutrition products such as energy gels and sports drinks. This makes maltodextrin a practical source of energy during exercise.
Different ways to use maltodextrin
Now that you know what maltodextrin is, let’s take a closer look at how you can use this carbohydrate source effectively as an athlete. Maltodextrin is particularly useful for sports that significantly deplete your glycogen stores, such as endurance sports including cycling, running and triathlon. It not only helps replenish your energy stores but also supports muscle recovery after exercise.
Maltodextrin is often found in ready-to-use sports nutrition products, but it is also an ideal ingredient for making your own sports drink or carb loader. Virtuoos Maltodextrin Gold has a neutral taste, making it the perfect base for your sports nutrition or recovery shake. Below are some of our favourite ways to use maltodextrin:
1. Maltodextrin as a carb loader (before exercise)
Maltodextrin is ideal for increasing carbohydrate intake before a competition. Start 1 to 2 days before your competition with 2–3 servings spread throughout the day to provide your body with additional carbohydrates. On the day of the competition, take another 1–2 servings of maltodextrin 2–3 hours before your exercise. This helps your body store additional carbohydrates and maximise your energy stores.
2. Maltodextrin as a sports drink (during exercise)
You can buy a ready-to-use sports drink where you only need to add water, but you can also easily make your own sports drink using maltodextrin. Try the following:
- Take a 750 ml Virtuoos sports bottle.
- Dissolve 1 serving of maltodextrin in 700 ml of water.
- Add 45 ml of your favourite fruit syrup.
- Add a pinch of salt.
In no time, you have a refreshing and effective sports drink that provides you with energy on the go. Ready to perform!
3. Maltodextrin as a recovery drink (after exercise)
Maltodextrin can also be used after exercise to replenish your carbohydrate stores. By consuming 3–4 grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight during the first 4–6 hours after exercise, you support the recovery of muscle function.
Mix 1 serving of maltodextrin with your Whey Classic Gold or Vegan Protein Blend Gold protein shake for a complete recovery drink after exercise.
Virtuoos Maltodextrin Gold
Content: 1000 gram | 23 doses of 42 gram
Flavour: Neutral
- Each serving contains 40 g carbohydrates
- Fast-absorbing carbohydrate source
- 100% pure maltodextrin
