Dextrose Monohydrate
Also known as: glucose monohydrate, D-glucose, dextrose, simple sugar
Effective Dosage
No established dose (insufficient research data)
What the Science Says
Dextrose monohydrate is a simple sugar (glucose) derived from starch. In the supplement industry, it is most commonly used as a tablet filler, binder, or coating agent in manufacturing — not as an active ingredient. The provided research shows it functioning as a placebo control in a sports nutrition trial and as a pharmaceutical excipient in tablet formulations, not as a performance-enhancing compound.
What It Doesn't Do
No evidence it boosts athletic performance on its own. Not shown to build muscle or improve endurance. The one sports study used it as a placebo — meaning it was the 'do nothing' comparison group. Don't pay a premium for it as an 'active' ingredient.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Dextrose monohydrate is a simple sugar (glucose) derived from starch. In the supplement industry, it is most commonly used as a tablet filler, binder, or coating agent in manufacturing — not as an active ingredient. The provided research shows it functioning as a placebo control in a sports nutrition trial and as a pharmaceutical excipient in tablet formulations, not as a performance-enhancing compound.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose (insufficient research data)
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Good — glucose is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine, but this is basic sugar metabolism, not a therapeutic effect
Red Flags to Watch For
- Frequently used as a cheap filler or placebo in supplement formulations — its presence on a label may indicate low-value product padding
- High intake of simple sugars like dextrose can spike blood glucose, which is a concern for people with diabetes or insulin resistance
- Marketing it as a performance ingredient is misleading — the only sports study provided used it as the inactive placebo, not the active treatment
- Products listing dextrose monohydrate prominently may be inflating serving size or cost with a low-cost sugar ingredient
Products Containing Dextrose Monohydrate
See how Dextrose Monohydrate is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-12