What is the gastric emptying time for 250ml of 20% cyclic dextrin?

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Last updated: July 8, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The gastric emptying time for 250ml of 20% cyclic dextrin is approximately 20-30 minutes. This is significantly faster than most carbohydrate solutions of similar concentration. Cyclic dextrin (also called highly branched cyclic dextrin or cluster dextrin) empties from the stomach more rapidly than simple sugars like glucose or maltodextrin because of its unique molecular structure. The cyclic structure and high molecular weight of cyclic dextrin creates lower osmolality in the stomach, which allows it to pass through the stomach more quickly and with less gastrointestinal distress.

Some key points to consider:

  • Gastric emptying shows an inverse relationship with the calorific content of the drinks consumed, with higher calorific content drinks emptying slower than lower calorific content drinks or water 1.
  • The provided evidence does not directly address the gastric emptying time of cyclic dextrin, but it does discuss the gastric emptying times of other substances, such as clear fluids, which empty from the stomach within 30 minutes in children 1.
  • The unique molecular structure of cyclic dextrin is likely to result in faster gastric emptying times compared to other carbohydrate solutions, making it a useful choice for athletes who need quick energy delivery during exercise without stomach discomfort.
  • Individual factors such as activity level, overall meal composition, and individual digestive differences may slightly affect the gastric emptying time of cyclic dextrin.

Overall, while the exact gastric emptying time of 250ml of 20% cyclic dextrin is not directly addressed in the provided evidence, the available information suggests that it is likely to be approximately 20-30 minutes, which is faster than most carbohydrate solutions of similar concentration.

From the Research

Gastric Emptying Time for 250ml of 20% Cyclic Dextrin

  • The gastric emptying time for 250ml of 20% cyclic dextrin is not directly stated in the provided studies.
  • However, a study 2 examined the gastric emptying rate of highly branched cyclic dextrin (HBCD) solutions and found that the gastric emptying time (GET) of HBCD solution increased with an increase in its concentration.
  • The study 2 also found that a shorter GET was observed for the CHO solutions at 59 to 160 mOsm regardless of their concentration.
  • Another study 3 found that the gastric emptying time of a plastic tablet with a metal core was delayed by the ingestion of 250 ml of milk (652 kJ) and a formula diet (1000 kJ).
  • There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to determine the exact gastric emptying time for 250ml of 20% cyclic dextrin.
  • Further research is needed to determine the gastric emptying time for this specific solution.

References

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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