Originally Posted by
tenniscyclist
Interesting to read your opinion and experiences with maltodextrin. Again, I enjoy hearing what works for others even if it wouldn't be for me. I am not a diabetic but consuming something so high on the glycemic index wouldn't interest me because of what I have read in general re: insulin resistance. Not here to preach to anyone but eating as healthy and naturally as possible on and off the bike simply makes me feel better.
For a period of time, when I thought I needed more carbs on the bike, I mixed home made gels using brown rice syrup and raw agave nectar at a ratio of 2:1. IMO it was/is a much "healthier" home made solution compared to maltodextrin, but I found the extra carbs to be unnecessary for endurance riding.
For folks who are racing, spending substantial amounts of time riding tempo, at threshold power or above, the carbs (including maltodextrin) make a lot of sense.