Alpha-Cyclodextrin (α-CD)?
Have you heard of alpha-cyclodextrin (α-CD)?
Alpha-CD is a health food that's been quite popular lately. Today, we'll take a closer look at alpha-CD in <wellsofit Pharmacist's Note>.
Alpha-CD is a water-soluble dietary fiber extracted through the enzymatic breakdown of starches like corn or potatoes. It has a unique cyclic molecular structure: a hydrophobic interior that favors fats, and a hydrophilic exterior that favors water. This substance is a cyclic hexasaccharide composed of six glucose molecules linked by alpha-1,4 bonds. It is not digested in the small intestine and is completely fermented by intestinal microorganisms.
AlphaCD's most notable feature is its unique molecular structure. Its ring-shaped internal cavity captures and absorbs fat molecules, helping to prevent ingested fat from being absorbed and excreted from the body. This mechanism effectively aids weight management and improves blood lipid levels.
Weight management and blood lipid improvement effects
Alpha-CD is known to be effective in weight loss and improving serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in healthy individuals.
Of particular note is the cholesterol absorption-inhibiting effect of alpha-CD. The internal space of the ring structure selectively binds cholesterol and saturated fat, trapping them before they are absorbed in the small intestine. This naturally reduces blood cholesterol levels and may also have a positive effect on cardiovascular health.
Improves exercise capacity and reduces fatigue
A recent study revealed a novel benefit of AlphaCD. A group that consumed AlphaCD for nine weeks experienced a significantly shorter 10km cycling time and significantly lower post-exercise fatigue scores compared to the control group. Specifically, the AlphaCD group completed the cycle in 1,073 seconds, while the control group took 1,126 seconds, a difference of approximately 50 seconds.
Even more interestingly, the average heart rate of the AlphaCD group during 50 minutes of constant-load cycling was significantly lower than that of the control group. After eight weeks, the AlphaCD group averaged 144.2 bpm, while the control group averaged 152.3 bpm. This suggests that AlphaCD improves cardiopulmonary function and reduces the stress on the heart during exercise.
A significant effect was also observed in post-exercise fatigue measurements. Using a visual analog scale (VAS), the AlphaCD group recorded a mean heart rate of 48.8 mm, while the control group recorded a mean heart rate of 59.0 mm, a statistically significant difference. This means that AlphaCD not only improves athletic performance, but also has a positive effect on post-workout recovery.
Blood sugar control effect
Alpha-CD has also been reported to suppress postprandial blood sugar responses. Alpha-CD's lipid-binding capacity and reduced glycemic response suggest it may be beneficial for people with dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. This is likely due to alpha-CD regulating the rate of carbohydrate digestion and mitigating rapid glucose absorption in the intestines.
For people with prediabetes or those requiring blood sugar management, taking alpha-CD with meals may help prevent blood sugar spikes. This suggests the potential for improving insulin resistance and contributing to diabetes prevention in the long term.
Improving the intestinal microbiome
Alpha CD is not digested in the small intestine but is completely fermented by intestinal microflora, producing beneficial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids. Its prebiotic effect, promoting the growth of specific beneficial intestinal bacteria, has also been reported, particularly the increase in strains such as Bacteroides uniformis.
Short-chain fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining intestinal health and regulating immune function. They also serve as an energy source and serve as substrates for gluconeogenesis, indirectly contributing to improved athletic performance.
Safety and How to Take
Alpha-CD is widely used as a food additive and is considered safe, so the FAO/WHO Expert Committee does not require a specific upper intake limit. Clinical studies have shown that it can be safely consumed without adverse effects, and no problems have been reported with long-term use.
Alpha-CD is typically available in powder or tablet form. The dose used in studies was approximately 1 gram per day, which is sufficient for achieving effective results. Taking it with a meal containing fat maximizes the fat absorption inhibition effect. When combined with regular exercise, it can also improve athletic performance and fatigue recovery.
Precautions and Limitations
While Alpha CD offers numerous health benefits, there are some considerations. It may reduce the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins, so consider supplementing if consumed in large quantities over a long period of time. Furthermore, as it's a type of dietary fiber, excessive consumption may cause bloating and increased gas production, so be sure to check your health after consumption!
Conclusion
AlphaCD is a functional dietary fiber that offers a wide range of health benefits, including weight management, improved blood lipid levels, enhanced athletic performance, blood sugar control, and improved intestinal health. In particular, its unique ring structure, which allows for fat capture, and its metabolic improvement through intestinal microbial fermentation, make it extremely useful for modern health management.
It may be a particularly useful choice for those who need to manage their weight, improve their cholesterol levels, or improve their athletic performance.
<Reference>
α-Cyclodextrin supplementation improves endurance exercise performance and reduces post-exercise fatigue in human males: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study
