What Is Dextrose, How Is It Used, and Is It Healthy?

If you’ve ever checked the back of a food package and spotted “dextrose” on the ingredient list, you may be curious about what it is and whether or not it’s healthy. 

Unlike many other sugars, dextrose has uses that go far beyond food—it’s also used medically to raise blood sugar rapidly and by bodybuilders or athletes to replenish lost glycogen, increase weight, or gain instantaneous energy.

But what exactly is dextrose, and where does it come from? Let’s take a closer look at what dextrose is, how athletes and people with diabetes use it, and whether dextrose is healthy or not.

Dextrose 101: What Is Dextrose?

Derived from corn starch, rice, or wheat, dextrose is a simple sugar chemically identical to glucose, the sugar found in our blood—in fact, dextrose is also referred to as “D-glucose.” 

Like glucose and other simple sugars (including fructose and galactose), dextrose has just one sugar molecule, classifying it as a monosaccharide. 

This simple sugar structure means that dextrose is incredibly easy for the body to break down, raising blood sugar levels rapidly. 

In some situations, quick blood sugar increases are necessary, like in cases of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or during long-distance or endurance workouts or competitions. 
However, this also means that dextrose has a high glycemic index, which can be problematic for metabolic health when consumed chronically. 

What Is Dextrose Used For?

Dextrose has many applications, including by food companies, athletes, bodybuilders, and in various medical or healthcare settings.

Dextrose in Food

Dextrose is a sweetener found in corn syrup (including high-fructose corn syrup) and many processed foods (such as cakes, cookies, baked goods, chewing gum, soda candy, ice cream, chips, and more). 

Cultured dextrose may also be used in various processed foods to extend their shelf life, as it acts as a preservative to inhibit mold or yeast growth. 

While dextrose is also found naturally in some foods, including honey, raisins, dried apricots, and Medjool dates, it’s most commonly consumed in the American diet as corn syrup or high-fructose corn syrup.

Dextrose in Healthcare Settings

As dextrose has the same chemical structure as glucose, it behaves the same way as glucose does in the body. 

For this reason, people with diabetes or those experiencing hypoglycemia take dextrose in various forms to rapidly raise blood sugar levels. 

Although we often want to lower our blood glucose levels, having too low blood sugar can be incredibly dangerous—especially for people with diabetes who have trouble regulating their blood sugar on their own.

Low blood sugar (less than 70 mg/dL) can cause symptoms like shaking, sweating, weakness, confusion, and elevated heart rate. 

People with diabetes or those prone to hypoglycemia may carry dextrose tablets or gel, as they dissolve in the mouth and can rapidly restore blood sugar levels.

You can find oral dextrose gel or tablets over the counter at most pharmacies. 

In a healthcare setting, a doctor may prescribe dextrose in an IV solution when someone is dehydrated and has low blood sugar. 

People on TPN (total parenteral nutrition) also receive dextrose via intravenous solutions, which are designed to provide someone with all of their necessary nutrition if they are unable to eat or digest food in their gut. 

Doctors may give a dextrose injection, which contains high concentrations of dextrose and is only used in people with very low blood sugar who cannot swallow dextrose tablets or gels.

However, it’s essential that your blood sugar doesn’t get too high. Even if you don’t have diabetes, you should check your blood glucose levels when taking dextrose to ensure they don’t reach dangerously high levels. 

Blood sugar can be checked at home by finger prick or with continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). 

Dextrose can also be used in children or infants as an intervention for low blood sugar. In children (pediatric hypoglycemia), IV dextrose is often given by doctors. In a home setting, an oral dextrose tablet or gel can be used.

In infants (neonatal hypoglycemia), small amounts of dextrose gel can be given to raise blood sugar levels. Babies born prematurely are at a higher risk for hypoglycemia and often receive IV dextrose at the hospital. 

In infants and children, it’s vital to treat hypoglycemia quickly, as it can result in neurological damage if left untreated. 

Lastly, dextrose injections can be used in a healthcare setting to relieve pain in people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. In a process known as prolotherapy, doctors will inject a small amount of dextrose into the site of the pain. 

In a systematic review of 33 studies, researchers concluded that dextrose prolotherapy is a supported treatment for pain related to tendinopathies, knee and finger joint osteoarthritis, and spinal or pelvic pain from ligament dysfunction.

Dextrose for Bodybuilding or Athletes

Athletes often use dextrose because it is a fast-digesting sugar high in calories and incredibly easy to break down for immediate energy.

As it can enter the bloodstream rapidly, endurance or long-distance athletes commonly use a dextrose tablet, gel, or drink to boost their energy during or after an intense workout or competition. 

Bodybuilders also commonly consume dextrose, as it can increase weight gain and muscle mass.

Like endurance athletes, bodybuilders may take dextrose powder after a workout to replenish glycogen stores and facilitate new muscle growth. 

If you’re looking for dextrose supplements, try the dextrose powder from NOW Foods, which is made from non-GMO corn and is third-party tested.

Is Dextrose Healthy?

As we’ve seen, there are some benefits to ingesting dextrose under certain medical conditions. 

However, for the general population, dextrose is simply another added sugar often found in processed foods with low nutritional value.

Dextrose is found in corn syrup, which is in many ultra-processed items, including candy, baked goods, soda, and other sweetened foods and drinks.

Therefore, dextrose is not healthy unless you use it conscientiously for medical conditions or during/after long exercise sessions to boost energy and replenish glycogen stores.

Dextrose FAQs