Fluids containing a highly branched cyclic dextrin influence the gastric emptying rate

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Human Physiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Gastric emptying (GE) influences nutrient and fluid absorption.
• Carbohydrate (CHO) solutions are common in sports nutrition.
• Understanding GE rates for different CHO sources is crucial for performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare gastric emptying rates of highly branched cyclic dextrin (HBCD) with other carbohydrates.
• To investigate the effect of concentration and osmotic pressure on GE.
• To evaluate a novel HBCD-based sports drink formulation.

Main Methods:

• Real-time ultrasonography used to measure pylorus antrum cross-sectional area.
• Ten healthy volunteers ingested various water, saline, and CHO solutions.
• Gastric emptying time (GET) correlated with pyloric area and solution properties.

Main Results:

• Physiological saline emptied fastest; higher CHO concentration slowed emptying.
• Lower osmotic pressure generally correlated with faster GE, except for HBCD.
• A 10% HBCD sports drink adjusted to 150 mOsm emptied significantly faster than a 10% HBCD or dextrin (DE16) solution.

Conclusions:

• Optimal gastric emptying occurs with CHO solutions between 59-160 mOsm.
• HBCD concentration impacts GET, but osmotic pressure is a key factor.
• A 10% HBCD sports drink formulated at 150 mOsm effectively delivers CHO, fluid, and minerals without delaying GE.