Alpha-cyclodextrin, your ally in weight loss

Alpha-cyclodextrin is a natural substance that will radically change your weight loss efforts. One of the biggest obstacles to weight loss is the increased consumption of calories and especially those derived from high-fat foods.

Dietary supplements are categorized into two main categories, those that increase energy consumption and those that reduce nutrient absorption.

What is alpha-cyclodextrin?

It is an insoluble plant fiber derived from corn, that reduces the intake of energy intake through diet. It is a non-absorbable polysaccharide, which is structured by 6 molecules of glucose cyclically bonded, hence its name.

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Alpha-cyclodextrin (a-CD) is a hydrophobic molecule. This property makes alpha-cyclodextrin able to bind fat in its molecule and prevent their absorption from the intestine. The cluster of fiber and fat cannot be broken down by intestinal lipases, nor can be metabolized by the intestinal bacteria. As a result, a part of the consumed dietary fat is not absorbed, resulting in reduced energy intake.

Properties

Weight reduction – slimming

Based on the above properties, it has been found that alpha-cyclodextrin helps significantly in weight loss. Studies in overweight and obese individuals showed that a-CD supplementation significantly reduces body weight. It is noteworthy, that a study in obese people with type 2 diabetes showed that, despite the increase in energy intake, no increase in body weight was observed among those who received supplements with Alpha-cyclodextrin.

Increased saturation

In experimental studies, alpha-cyclodextrin helps reduce leptin levels. Leptin is a hormone produced by white fat and is involved in saturation and regulation of metabolism. It acts in the hypothalamus and releases neurotransmitters that reduce appetite and suppress hunger.

Reduction of cholesterol

Many studies have shown that alpha-cyclodextrin can significantly improve cardiovascular health. The reason is that a-CD significantly reduces levels of total cholesterol, levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, and does not negatively affect “good” cholesterol (HDL). In addition, it reduces levels of apolipoprotein B (ApoB), which has atherogenic activity, thus improving overall cardiovascular risk.

Improved glucose metabolism, increased insulin sensitivity

Like other fibers, alpha-cyclodextrin also helps lower glucose levels, especially postprandially. In particular, it contributes to a better glycemic response, while significantly reduces serum insulin levels. Improving insulin action (increased insulin sensitivity) is a very important activity for both pre-diabetic and obese people with type 2 diabetes. In addition, taking carbohydrates and starch-rich meals along with Alpha-cyclodextrin, it helps reduce glycemic index and glycemic load of the meal.

Side effects – interactions

Unlike other drugs and dietary supplements, alpha-cyclodextrin does not have undesirable effects such as incontinence or steatosis (fat excretion with stools). According to FDA, it is safe to take and has no side effects.

Dose

There is no recommended daily dose, but usually, it ranges from 2 to 6 grams/day before a meal that contains fat or is mixed. It is recommended to be taken by overweight or obese individuals.

In conclusion, alpha-cyclodextrin is a substance that can effectively help reduce body weight and cardiovascular risk, especially in conjunction with a balanced diet plan.

In Vita4you you can find alpha-cyclodextrin products such as Lanes Kcaligram Feel Free, Viogenesis Alpha-Cyclodextrin Plus, and Pharmazac Glukofix.