In addition to its benefits for sports nutrition, the highly branched cyclic dextrin ingredient Cluster Dextrin, has been shown to benefit the flavor and aroma of food and beverages, while reducing their acidity.
 
Many sports nutrition products feature branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) as well as citric acid. BCAAs are essential amino acids that provide a beneficial effect on muscle metabolism, protecting against catabolism in the recovery process, as well as contributing to building muscle volume and processing fat. Citric acid decreases physiological stress and physical fatigue. It’s essential to the production of energy, a key part of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, which facilitates the conversion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to generate energy.
 
However, both ingredients impart flavors that, on their own, would make sports drinks unpalatable.
 
Exclusively produced by Glico Nutrition Co., Ltd. of Japan, Cluster Dextrin is featured in the company’s own Citric Acid & BCAA sports nutrition product to mask the acidity of the citric acid and tame the bitterness of BCAA.
 
Recently the company assembled a panel of ten respondents to taste test samples containing, in the first case a 1.6% solution of BCAA, in the second the same BCAA with an additional 0.75% of citric acid, and in the third those two ingredients along with a 2% of Cluster Dextrin, and rate them on a five-point scale. The samples containing Cluster Dextrin were rated highest for drinkability.
 
Glico said that Cluster Dextrin also works to mask undesirable odors in many varieties of household items. Because it suppresses the release of fragrance, the masking function works to preserve and consistently maintain the familiar scents associated with items such as detergents and personal care products, as well as natural food aromas, for a longer period of time.
 
For more information: www.glico.co.jp/en