Is Dextrose Bad For You?
Also Known As: D-Glucose
Short answer
Dextrose is a sugar and like all sugars should be consumed moderately. There are no special dangers associated with dextrose outside of the risks associated with all sugars.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Dextrose is a saccharine extract taken from corn with a chemical composition exactly that of glucose (more commonly referred to as "blood sugar"). It is a fast-acting substance used commonly in the food industry as a sweetener and in medicine as a key ingredient to intravenous solutions. In food, dextrose moves quickly to the muscles to provide nutrients. Dextrose used in intravenous solutions is to get a patient's blood sugar level back to normal (the name dextrose refers to the origin, once it is in the blood it becomes "glucose").
There are several possible side effects associated with taking glucose with most centering around people who have sugar-related health issues (such as diabetics or people with hyperglycemia) or women who are pregnant or nursing. As with all sugar-based substances, dextrose should not be used too often as there is a positive link between high use of sugar (in any form) and heart disease.
Dextrose is an excellent source of carbohydrates and for this reason, can help after a work-out or other physically demanding task. Taken in moderate amounts, dextrose can give or replenish much-needed energy. If taken in large quantities (or quantities larger than what is safe for you), dextrose can have serious effects. It is strongly recommended that people with certain conditions, including diabetes, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia and edema do not put dextrose into their bodies.
Possible short-term side effects
- infection (if injected)
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swelling (if injected)
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severe allergic reaction
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confusion
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headache
Possible long-term side effects
- heart disease
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increased blood sugar
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hypoglycemia
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hyperglycemia
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increased fat storage
Commonly found in
- candy
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sodas
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sports drinks
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honey
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corn syrups
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starchy foods
Benefits
- source of carbs
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helps stabilize glucose levels
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boosts energy
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Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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