Sugar and sugar substitutes

[bwaargh]

What are your thoughts on sugar and sugar substitutes. How do they affect MPS and what would you recommend. And could you also say a few words about maltodextrin. Most sugar substitutes have maltodextrin in them and yet they claim to be zero calories. how is that possible?

[Jordan Feigenbaum]

What are your thoughts on sugar and sugar substitutes. How do they affect MPS and what would you recommend. And could you also say a few words about maltodextrin. Most sugar substitutes have maltodextrin in them and yet they claim to be zero calories. how is that possible?

I have no general thoughts on sugar or sugar substitutes. Sugar doesn't really do anything to MPS in a negative way, though added calories from carbohydrates tend to make it (MPS) work better.

I think maltodextrin, dextrose, and waxy maize are the dumbest supplements folks can buy.

The level of maltodextrin in some sugar substitutes are very low.

[JonasL]

Jordan, in what way is maltodextrin the dumbest supplement?

Is it because you will miss out on all the other nutrients that you get from eating real food or is it actually bad for you in terms of performance/muscle growth?
I know it has an impact on blood sugare levels but can't that be a good thing taken as a pre workout drink to increase your glycogen levels?

[Jordan Feigenbaum]

Jordan, in what way is maltodextrin the dumbest supplement?

Is it because you will miss out on all the other nutrients that you get from eating real food or is it actually bad for you in terms of performance/muscle growth?
I know it has an impact on blood sugare levels but can't that be a good thing taken as a pre workout drink to increase your glycogen levels?

Maltodextrin costs more than rice, potatoes, or oats. It is not quickly absorbed. It has almost zero nutritive value outside of just calories. It does not really affect blood sugar significantly (most foods don't) unless you have diabetes. It does not increase muscle glycogen levels compared to regular food.

[JonasL]

Maltodextrin costs more than rice, potatoes, or oats. It is not quickly absorbed. It has almost zero nutritive value outside of just calories. It does not really affect blood sugar significantly (most foods don't) unless you have diabetes. It does not increase muscle glycogen levels compared to regular food.

Thank you for the clarification and some new information for me.
So I guess I'm better of continue with my proteinshake and some fruit, as a pre workout snack.