Cyclodextrins are discussed in the sources as potential supplements for athletes, with information provided on two main types: Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD) and Alpha-cyclodextrin (αCD).

Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD), often referred to as Cluster Dextrin, is described as a complex carbohydrate derived from starch that has high digestibility and absorption rates, allowing for relatively quick bioavailability of D-glucose molecules in the bloodstream. It is noted for providing better gastric emptying processes and a favorable glycemic response compared to some other carbohydrate formulations. The properties of HBCD may be beneficial for athletes in high-intensity sports, such as weightlifting, by potentially providing faster glucose availability without significantly increasing insulin levels, and for athletes in long-duration exercises by potentially reducing gastrointestinal discomfort. However, a study investigating the effects of a 30g intake of cyclodextrin (Cluster Dextrin) during CrossFit® training did not find significant metabolic or performance effects in general CrossFit tests, although some differences were observed in specific tests like countermovement jump power. The data regarding performance improvements from this specific study were not conclusive, and further research is needed.

Alpha-cyclodextrin (αCD) is a different type of cyclodextrin, described as a cyclic hexasaccharide composed of six glucose units. Unlike HBCD, αCD is not digested in the human small intestine but is completely fermented by gut microbes. Studies in healthy, active non-athlete men have shown that supplementation with αCD significantly improved endurance exercise performance, specifically the 10 km biking time trial, compared to a placebo group. αCD supplementation was also associated with a significant reduction in post-exercise fatigue and a suppressed heart rate increase during exercise. The potential mechanism for these benefits may involve gut bacteria that ferment αCD to produce short-chain fatty acids like propionate, which could facilitate hepatic glucose production for energy during exercise. αCD is considered a safe substance and may serve as a supplement to support endurance exercise performance and reduce post-exercise fatigue.

Highlighting the difference between cyclic dextrin and cyclodextrin: While Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin (often called Cluster Dextrin) is sometimes referred to as cyclodextrin, the sources note that it is a different molecule from alpha-cyclodextrin.

New Podcast Episode: Cyclodextrins in Food and Nutraceuticals
Unlock the hidden potential of cyclodextrins in your products!
From improving bioavailability to enhancing stability and masking off-flavors, cyclodextrins are revolutionizing the way we formulate food supplements and functional ingredients.

In this episode, we break down the science into practical insights and explore how these ring-shaped sugar molecules are making a real impact in health and nutrition.

Tune in now and discover why cyclodextrins might be your next formulation game-changer!

🎙️ Understanding Cyclodextrin Safety – Myths & Facts

Cyclodextrins play a crucial role in pharmaceuticals, improving drug solubility and stability. But how do they interact with the human body, and what do we really know about their safety? In this episode, we explore:

🔹 How dosage and route of administration impact cyclodextrin safety
🔹 Key findings on oral, nasal, dermal, ocular, and intravenous applications
🔹 Considerations for patients with kidney impairment and young children
🔹 Insights from toxicology studies – what’s known, what’s uncertain

Join us as we break down the science behind cyclodextrins, addressing both their benefits and safety concerns in a balanced discussion. Tune in for expert insights!

🎙️ New Episode Alert – Carbohydrate Chronicles, S2E2
In this episode of Carbohydrate Chronicles, we’re diving deep into the world of cyclodextrins (CDs) and their fascinating potential in biological drug formulations. From stabilizing delicate protein therapeutics to boosting vaccine efficacy and breaking new ground in gene therapy, CDs are proving to be far more than just sugar rings. We unpack how their unique structure allows for molecular encapsulation—enhancing solubility, stability, and delivery while minimizing side effects. Whether you're in drug development or just love cutting-edge biotech, this masterclass offers a fresh look at how CDs are redefining the biologics space.

We also explore real-world applications and challenges: Why haven't CD-based monoclonal antibodies reached the market yet? How do CDs stack up against polysorbates, and what makes them ideal cryoprotectants in vaccines? Plus, get a sneak peek at CarboHyde’s pioneering research into CD-based gene delivery systems that could rival lipid nanoparticles in efficiency and safety. Tune in to discover how these versatile molecules are quietly reshaping the future of pharmaceutical formulations.

Podcast Summary: Cyclodextrins – More Than Just Pharma

In this episode, we explore the surprising versatility of cyclodextrins—natural molecules that improve solubility, stability, and delivery of other substances.

They're not just for medicine! Cyclodextrins are used in:

• Supplements: Boosting ingredients like vitamin D and curcumin.

• Food: Enhancing texture, shelf life, and reducing cholesterol.

• Cosmetics: Stabilizing and releasing active ingredients and fragrances.

• Agriculture & Textiles: Improving delivery of nutrients and embedding scents in fabrics.

• Energy & Environment: From better batteries to filtering pollutants.

• Even Space Missions: Helping detect molecules on Mars!

💡 Bottom line: Cyclodextrins are tiny, powerful tools shaping many industries—with endless potential ahead.

Carbohydrate chemistry, the final frontier. These ubiquitous building blocks of life are still the most challenging biomolecules to manipulate due to their structural diversity and complexity. A realm where only the bravest creative chemists can go, to deeply understand their biological importance, explore and embrace their therapeutic value. The use of carbohydrates as actives is an emerging field with a vast potential in several areas like cancer treatment, rare diseases or infections.

Our guest today is László Somsák, Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Debrecen, Expert in the synthesis of glycomimetics and biologically active carbohydrates. 

László has been working at Debrecen University for exactly 40 years now, with a main research interest in designing novel synthetic routes to create carbohydrates, and discover glycomimetics, glycopeptidomimetics, and lectin inhibitors. He is a board member of nearly all local and international carbohydrate organizations and serves in the editorial board of the prestigious journal, CarboHydrate Research. He has almost 400 publications available on the topic. 

As we already learned in the past weeks, glycoscience is certainly an interdisciplinary subject where both chemistry and biology play a critical role in understanding and success. Steering a ship in these waters is a very complex challenge that needs focus and persistence.

Our guest this week, Barbara Richichi, Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Florence is a captain on such a ship and will help us understand how carbohydrates could be used as building blocks of complex nanomaterials and how glycomimetics are designed. 

Barbara’s lab (GlycoFluoNano) is engaged in three main areas of Glycoscience that are at the interface between Glycochemistry and Glycobiology, specifically in the: i) synthesis of glycomimetics and glycan-based therapeutics; ii) synthesis and functionalization of glyconanomaterials; and iii) the synthesis of fluorescent probes. 

For decades, scientists lived in a paradigm that cyclodextrins are useful excipients and additives with numerous applications and that’s it. The pioneers came and broke these chains, releasing the true potential of these molecules. First Sugammadex was discovered (which is now a blockbuster drug), and later long known cyclodextrins were re-purposed as active ingredients for various therapeutic indications. Some of these developments are now in phase III and II clinical trials for a rare genetic indication and Alzheimer’s disease.

Research started to flourish both in the academia and industry, and companies like Cyclarity Therapeutics were incorporated focusing on cyclodextrin-based drug discovery and development. Today, our guest is Dr Matthew ‘Oki’ O’Connor, founder and co-CEO of Cyclarity Tx. 

Oki is a true longevity warrior, who dedicated all his professional career to this research area. After finishing his studies, Oki almost immediately joined SENS Research Foundation as head of research developing, promoting, and ensuring widespread access to therapies that cure and prevent the diseases and disabilities of aging which he left for Cyclarity eventually. He is also a board member of the Longevity Biotech Fellowship and Senior Reviewer of Vitadao, a decentralized collective funding initiative for early-stage longevity research.