Carbohydrate supplements are not created equal. Most are made with maltodextrin, dextrose, and highly-branched cylic dextrin. But you may have recently seen a carbohydrate source on the back of a supplement label called Carb10^®. Carb10^® is a fast-acting low glycemic carbohydrate derived from pea starch, which unlike other carb sources does not spike insulin. We’re going to talk more about what the Carb10® supplement is and how this carbohydrate source can help you fuel your goals.

What Is Carb10^®

Carb10® is a proprietary ingredient created by the company Compound Solutions, which also produces other popular sports nutrition ingredients such as, Dynamine, Amino9, Instaminos, Peak O2, and Teacrine.

Carb10® is a legume based, fast-acting carbohydrate source derived from pea starch. Unlike maltodextrin-based supplements, which can cause unnatural spikes in blood-sugar levels and insulin leading to lethargy, sugar crashes, and bloating, Carb10® is a low-glycemic, clean source of sustained energy. Peas contain what’s called resistance starch, which are not rapidly digested and converted to glucose as most starches. Peas are resistant to digestion and pass into the large intestine where much of the nutrients are used as a food source by the healthy bacteria living in your gut and colon acting in a similar manner to dietary soluble and insoluble fiber. 

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How Carb10 Compares To Maltodextrin 

If you’re an endurance athlete, carbs are worth their weight in gold. Carbohydrates provide your body with the muscle fuel and energy it needs to push harder, recover faster, and move quicker. But not all supplements are created equal. Most supplements contain fast acting carbohydrate sources such as high branched cyclic dextrin, maltodextrin, waxy maize starch, and dextrose. The problem with these carbohydrates is that they spike insulin, shooting your energy through the roof, then dropping you off a cliff. That’s because they’re made with modified corn starch, which acts the same as sugar. Excess insulin as well as blood glucose may also lead to unwanted weight gain and store extra sugar as body fat.  

Clinical studies have shown that Carb10® provides 82% lower insulin response and 27% lower blood-sugar response than Maltodextrin. Carb10® has prebiotic properties which contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, while its low osmolality enables Carb10® to speed through the stomach reducing bloating [R].

Both highly-branched cyclic dextrin and Carb10 have low osmolality that helps enhance gastric emptying preventing carbs from sitting in your stomach which can cause bloating or a heavier feeling than you normally have. Carb10 ensures that carbohydrate pass through stomach into your small intestines where they are absorbed and shuttled into your muscles for fuel. 

Carb10: Takeaway

If you're looking for a fast-acting carb to help you recover and maintain steady energy levels Carb10 is a great choice. Carb10 is a vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free ingredient that has fast gastric emptying without the spike in insulin and blood glucose. Improve your recovery with Carb10 supplements.