Transparent Labs Cyclic Dextrin Cluster Dextrin | 30 Servings

Transparent Labs Cyclic Dextrin is a powdered sports-nutrition product formulated with 25 g of patented Cluster Dextrin® highly branched cyclic dextrin per serving. It provides a concentrated and convenient source of carbohydrates for athletes, gym-goers, and physically active adults who need additional fuel before or during demanding training or carbohydrates after exercise.

Cyclic dextrin is not a stimulant, pre-workout energizer containing caffeine, protein powder, or meal replacement. Its primary nutritional purpose is to provide carbohydrate energy. Each container supplies 30 servings, although the actual duration depends on whether the user consumes one or multiple scoops at a time.

What Is Cluster Dextrin®?

Cluster Dextrin® is a patented form of highly branched cyclic dextrin, commonly abbreviated as HBCD. It is a glucose-based carbohydrate polymer manufactured from waxy-maize amylopectin through enzymatic processing.

HBCD has a high molecular weight and low solution osmolality. Research has examined how these physical properties influence gastric emptying, digestive tolerance, exercise fuel availability, and perceived exertion compared with some conventional carbohydrate drinks. Results can vary according to concentration, water intake, exercise type, training duration, diet, and individual tolerance.

Carbohydrate Energy: Carbohydrates are a major energy source during moderate- and high-intensity exercise. Cyclic dextrin can help athletes conveniently increase carbohydrate intake when obtaining enough carbohydrates from solid food is impractical.

Pre-Workout Use: Consuming carbohydrates before prolonged or demanding exercise may help provide available fuel. The appropriate amount depends on workout duration, intensity, body size, recent meals, and total daily carbohydrate requirements.

Intra-Workout Use: Cyclic dextrin can be mixed with water and consumed during longer training sessions. It may be especially relevant when exercise duration or intensity makes additional carbohydrates useful. Many short or low-intensity sessions may not require an intra-workout carbohydrate supplement.

Post-Workout Use: Carbohydrate intake after exercise contributes to the restoration of glycogen used during training. It can be combined with a suitable protein source as part of a complete recovery meal or shake, but cyclic dextrin does not provide meaningful protein by itself.

Key Features of Transparent Labs Cyclic Dextrin

Product Specifications

How to Use

Combine 1 to 3 scoops with approximately 12–20 fl oz, equivalent to about 355–590 mL, of water or a preferred beverage. Shake or mix vigorously until the powder is fully dispersed.

• Before Exercise: Use as a source of pre-training carbohydrates according to the individual nutrition plan.
• During Exercise: Sip during prolonged or demanding workouts when additional carbohydrates are required.
• After Exercise: Consume as part of a post-workout meal or shake to help restore carbohydrate availability and muscle glycogen.

One scoop is the standard serving. Using two or three scoops proportionally increases the amount of Cluster Dextrin®, total carbohydrates, and calories consumed. Three scoops provide 75 g of Cluster Dextrin® ingredient, so the amount should be matched to training demands and total daily calorie and carbohydrate targets.

Who May Benefit from Cyclic Dextrin?

This product may be useful for endurance athletes, people completing long or high-volume training sessions, individuals performing multiple workouts, and those intentionally increasing carbohydrate and calorie intake during a muscle-gain phase.

It may be unnecessary for people completing short, light workouts or those who already obtain sufficient workout carbohydrates from regular meals. Cyclic dextrin should be included in the person’s total daily carbohydrate and calorie calculations rather than treated as calorie-free workout hydration.

Storage Instructions

Store the container tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and humidity. Always use a completely dry scoop and prevent water from entering the container. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety and Dietary Considerations

Cyclic dextrin is a concentrated carbohydrate source and can affect blood glucose. People with diabetes, insulin resistance, reactive hypoglycemia, impaired glucose regulation, or prescribed carbohydrate targets should consult their physician or registered dietitian before use and monitor glucose as instructed.

Consult a healthcare professional before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for anyone under 18, or when managing a medical condition or taking medication. People with a corn allergy should verify the current product source, manufacturing information, and allergen statement before use because highly branched cyclic dextrin is commonly derived from waxy-maize starch.

Begin with a conservative amount to assess tolerance. Although HBCD is commonly selected for its drinkability and gastrointestinal tolerance, it can still cause bloating, nausea, abdominal discomfort, or altered bowel habits in some individuals, particularly when highly concentrated or consumed quickly.

This product is not a substitute for water, electrolytes, protein, whole-food nutrition, or an individually appropriate sports-nutrition plan. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is highly branched cyclic dextrin? How much Cluster Dextrin is in one serving? Does the product contain caffeine? Should it be taken before, during, or after training? Does cyclic dextrin directly build muscle? Is it the same as maltodextrin? Can it affect blood glucose? How long does one container last? Are all flavors nutritionally identical?