Dextrose - Glossary

Dextrose

A common term for D-glucose – a simple sugar (monosaccharide) used by the human body as a primary source of fuel.  Glucose is ubiquitous in nature, and is found in a wide range of carbohydrates, from table sugar (sucrose = glucose + fructose) and milk sugar (lactose = glucose + galactose), to cellulose (insoluble fiber), starch and glycogen (all of which are glucose polymers).  

Dextrose is often used in pre-/post-workout supplements, energy drinks and electrolyte replacement beverages, as a source of quickly digested/absorbed energy.  Dextrose may be referred to as “dextrose monohydrate” on certain supp labels.

Author: elissa

Elissa is a former research associate with the University of California at Davis, and the author/co-author of over a dozen articles published in scientific journals. Currently a freelance writer and researcher, Elissa brings her multidisciplinary education and training to her writing on nutrition and supplements.

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