Optimum Nutrition: Glycomaize

Glycomaize is a carbohydrate supplement based around two relatively unusual carbohydrate sources, waxy maize starch and trehalose. Optimum Nutrition have stated that they include the waxy maize starch because of its fast release rate and the trehalose for its sustained delivery over time but we have never come across a study supporting the contention that waxy maize starch is a fast digesting carbohydrate. In fact, numerous studies have shown that it is actually slower to be absorbed than commonly used sugars such as maltodextrin and dextrose.

While the reasoning behind its inclusion in Glycomaize is flawed, wxy maize starch actually has some unique properties which we think make it a good choice of supplement namely it tastes better in our view than simple sugars as well as being easier on the digestive system. Finally, we do not subscribe to the notion that extremely fast acting carbs are that important for most athletes and indeed some research suggests a slower, more sustained delivery of carbs to muscles is superior for glycogen replenishment.

In sum, we like Glycomaize after all!