Yamamoto Nutrition presents GlycoBol. GlycoBol is a dietary supplement recommended for athletes who participate in intense and prolonged physical activities. Yamamoto Nutrition uses only the original CLUSTER DEXTRIN 100% Made in Japan. Carbohydrates contribute to the recovery of normal muscle function (contraction) after strenuous and/ or prolonged exercise involving muscle fatigue and depletion of glycogen stores in skeletal muscle. This new class of carbohydrate-based supplements, defined as “designer glucose polymers” or highly branched cyclodextrins (HBCD), are a the next evolutionary step for the various carbohydrate-based products on the market. HBCD are a new type of glucose polymers that are made by the reaction between waxy maize and a particular enzyme, forming a cyclical structure. The result is a glucose polymer with ideal properties: for instance, an average molecular weight of 160,000 Da with very low osmolality, and therefore very rapid gastric emptying. In the last ten years or so there have been many discoveries, including the emergence of myriad supplements specifically for “pre-workouts”. Right now we are in the era of pre-workout products with a stimulating effect due to nitric oxide, which are very popular because of their marked effect on muscle pumping as well as focus (for those with stimulant substances). Talking about products with clear usefulness that have met with my approval in recent years, I would definitely include high molecular weight carbohydrate among the “priorities” for sports supplements. If I remember correctly, “Vitargo” appeared in 2002-2003. This is a carbohydrate with an articulated chain of glucose molecules derived from potato starch, and was immediately followed by the less expensive equivalent “Waxy maize” (derived from corn). These glucose polymers with branched structures have unique characteristics that have put aside the “carbohydrate” par excellence, namely glucose, and gone on to strengthen its concept and effectiveness with increasingly improving carbohydrate-based drinks for training sessions. But let’s see what’s behind all this, as well what is appearing over the horizon! New horizons The new class of carbohydrate-based supplements called “designer glucose polymers”, i.e. the highly branched cyclodextrins (HBCD), are intended as a further evolution of existing products Vitargo, Waxy maize and karbolyn. At present, there are still few companies (at least at the highest quality level) that have focused on this particular source, but the hype it is causing is truly interesting and well-founded. A
