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Waxy Maize

gurjsdgurjsd
in General Training Discussions

Hey Guys!

 

I've a nutritional question, that I would love to get your opinions on. Its about Waxy Maize. I've been researching UCAN and Vitargo, and even though they are probably the 'best fuels' for endurance and possibly recovery, they are a little expensive.




I've been researching Waxy Maize, and found that its the base ingredient for UCAN and Vitargo. So, instead of drinking my usual Maltodextrin during longer bike rides and in my recovery drink, what is your opinion of using Waxy Maize instead? That is, using it instead of Maltodextrin during rides, and for recovery. I've read its 'slower' releasing than Dextrose and Malto, similar to perhaps UCAN. And as for recovery, it does promote an insulin spike. 



Hope some experts in this field can shed some light or additional research on its effectiveness.

 

Thanks

G

Comments

  • David HowardDavid Howard
    Hello,

    I've read -mostly the claims by the supplement companies, about its benefits for body builders for some time now. Looked into it a bit ...and as with most dietary supplements very little actual data...and even less data that is applicable.

    Most of the human studies I found are looking at its effects of glucose and insulin. a few on fat utilization and potential for weight loss/management.

    The clearest as it relates -possibly to athletic fueling was one that showed WM vs. control of white bread and vs. maltodextrin. 

    The take away is that:

    Maltodextrin acts as nearly as fast as a 'simple sugar (from outside info that shows dextrose peaking at 30-60min) 

    WM acts similar to white bread with slightly later and lower peak with a blunted taper and higher level of glucose >180 minutes and beyond.

    So......

    This suggests that for quick energy the simple sugars and even maltodextrin are still superior. (the which is best is still disputed)

    For prolonged energy with a moderate spike (no overshoot of insulin = less risk of hypoglycemia etc) WM may have benefit. It is 'slow-er' sugar due to not being broken down by salivary amilace in mouth etc ...not till it reaches small bowel. 

    Evidence with athletes...particularly endurance types....not really.   

    Potential use as a pre workout drink prior to workouts lasting > 120 min (other sugars will work with single dose well up till then); also as a potentially appropriate additive to Bike drink for HIM/IM distance races to ensure a reasonable steady glucose response later in run.

    The caviot is many...such as what affect will intensity/duration have on gut absorption and transit? etc etc.  And especial real world results...

    Dave

     

  • gurjsdgurjsd
    Very interesting David - such a good read.
    In the context of things, it appears that it may NOT be as beneficial as the traditional Malto drinks we as athletes may consume, because we would require the immediate hit of sugars in our blood stream. Also, interesting that it almost has the same effect as if you were to consume bread.

    I would like a study, comparing it to UCAN or Vitargo, because ultimately, thats where my interest in it has come from. I found this link ; http://www.nourishbalancethrive.com/blog/2015/12/16/ucan-waxy-maize-fructose-which-best/
    but the results are yet to be concluded.
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