Everything You Need to Know About Carb+

What is Carb+?

Carb+ has been designed for endurance athletes and gym junkies who want to maintain energy throughout training for peak performance. It blends both fast and slow absorbing carbs to keep you fueled from start to finish. These are:

Carb+ is unflavoured, and has a neutral-sweet taste similar to Maltodextrin or Dextrose Monohydrate.

Ideally, we’d recommend consuming it with water alone or in combination with other supplements such as Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) or Electrolytes which also assist your training.

Why is Carb+ made up of three carbohydrates rather than just one?

Carb+ is a unique blend of three carbohydrates that have different functions, which work together to provide a balanced fuel source for your workout. Dextrose Monohydrate and Maltodextrin help to provide instant, quick energy that you require while you train to provide an extra spike in your output ability.

The inclusion of Isomaltulose provides a more sustained energy release, as Isomaltulose is a slower release carbohydrate source.

The inclusion of Isomaltulose helps to provide longer-lasting energy, rather than the rapid quick energy often received from simpler carbs, followed by a quick decrease.

What is Isomaltulose?

Isomaltulose, also known as palatinose, is a disaccharide carbohydrate composed of glucose and fructose which occur naturally in honey and sugar cane.

While it is similar to sucrose, Isomaltulose possesses a unique molecular linkage that causes it to be more slowly and steadily broken down in the GI tract. It is completely digested and absorbed, but its prolonged release into the bloodstream results in a lower glycemic response as compared to sucrose. As a result, Isomaltulose causes a smaller and more sustained increase in glucose levels compared to rapidly absorbed carbohydrates like glucose.

Some research suggests that because Isomaltulose provides a sustained supply of energy with no sharp spikes and crashes, it's suitable and potentially particularly beneficial for endurance athletes and those engaged in prolonged physical activities where constant energy supply is cruical. It would also be suitable for supporting recovery and replenishing glycogen stores post-workout.

As an energy source, Isomaltulose has the same caloric value as other carbohydrates (4 kcal/g), but its sustained release makes it an excellent choice for fueling endurance sports.

It can also be used as a sugar substitute with its mild, natural sweetness, and zero aftertaste – and it won’t impact negatively on teeth.

Is Isomaltulose itself sugar-free?

This is where things get confusing. While Maltodextrin is not classified as a sugar, it acts very similarly to sugar in the body. It’s absorbed quickly and gives an instant “spike”.

Despite its slow digestion and metabolic benefits, Isomaltulose on the other hand is technically categorised as sugar (for labelling purposes) yet it acts like a long sustained, slower absorbing carbohydrate! Don’t get confused by the sugar content though, the important message here is that Isomaltulose is a slower absorbing carbohydrate, great for sustained energy or recovery.

It also has a different impact on dental health than traditional sugars, given that Isomaltulose is non-cariogenic - meaning it doesn't promote tooth decay like some sugars. If you're concerned about your oral health and hygiene and needing a carbohydrate source for energy, this could be the one for you!

What is Dextrose Monohydrate?

Dextrose Monohydrate is a single chained carbohydrate, which is rapidly absorbed by the body, working to increase blood glycogen levels to promote muscle recovery and growth. On its own, it's ideal to be taken post-workout and mixes well with a whey protein for quick and simple post workout nutrition. It's also useful when taken during a workout, to supply the body with carbohydrates to create a more anabolic workout environment.

Derived from corn, it's a simple sugar known as glucose. When consumed, dextrose monohydrate undergoes rapid hydrolysis in the digestive tract, leading to a swift increase in blood glucose levels. Being rapidly available, it's effective for athletes needing a quick burst of energy - such as sprinters or weightlifters in short duration, high intensity exercises.

What is Maltodextrin?

Maltodextrin is a multiple chained carbohydrate, which is absorbed very rapidly. It has a higher osmotic value than dextrose, which can be beneficial for optimum gastric emptying as well as being gentler on the stomach.

A polysaccharide, derived from starch, is commonly sourced from corn, rice and potatoes. With multiple glucose molecules linked through enzymatic hydroloysis, it results in a carbohydrate powder that dissolves easily in water and provides a rapid source of energy.

Unlike simpler sugars like dextrose, maltodextrin is a complex carb that undergoes partial hydrolysis during digestion, allowing for quicker absorption, making it a popular choice for those athletes needing fast-acting energy.

Carb+ FAQ's

When should I use Carb+?

Carb+ is ideal for longer, endurance style training where prolonged energy is required. If you're competing in something like a strongman competition or an ultra-marathon, adding a product like Carb+ into your nutrition and hydration plan could well assist with your energy and strength.

However, all workouts require energy and if you are continually training for a length of time that requires you to consume substances for energy then Carb+ is a great solution for this.

It works very well as an intra training fuel where it will restore glycogen levels over a greater period. If you prefer a quicker “hit” of energy, then Dextrose or Maltodextrin alone may be the better choice.

You can also supplement with Carb+ post-training if you are looking to increase your carbohydrate intake as well as refuel. It can be mixed with your protein shake for easy consumption.

What is the best carb for running?

Are carbs good for running? Absolutely! The best carbs for runners to eat depend on your running goal.

If you're a sprinter, you'd best benefit from a carbohydrate like maltodextrin or dextrose by itself for a quick hint of energy before a race. If you're a longer-distance runner, perhaps looking for something to add in to your water to keep you hydrated and fuelled through training for a half or full marathon, the best source of carbs for runners would be a product like Carb+ that gives you an instant but prolonged energy boost would be beneficial.

Will I get a sugar spike from Carb+?

Essentially the answer is no.

While you will have some increases in blood sugar levels initially due to the Maltodextrin and Dextrose, the inclusion of Isomaltulose will start providing energy later. Therefore you will have prolonged energy which will slowly decrease rather than have a rapid drop which can also cause fatigue.

Should I try Carb+?

Why not! If you're after an instant hit of energy but a slow acting carb for running or a product to help boost your endurance during a prolonged workout, the mix of fast-acting and slow carbohydrates in Carb+ are a perfect fit!