ALF Guide
What is Cyclodextrin?
Cyclodextrins are smart ring-shaped fibers made from glucose. Their hollow “cup” can hold oily guests, which is why α-cyclodextrin (ALF) is a standout for everyday wellness routines focused on fiber.
- Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides (glucose rings) from plant starch.
- Three primary types: α (6 units), β (7), γ (8) — each with a different cavity size.
- α-Cyclodextrin (ALF) functions as an insoluble, non-digestible fiber.
- Used globally in foods, supplements, and pharmaceutical guest-binding applications.
- What cyclodextrin is and how it works
- α vs. β vs. γ differences (and why ALF focuses on α)
- How to use ALF α-cyclodextrin (powder, sticks, capsules)
- Quality & safety considerations
What is cyclodextrin?
Cyclodextrins (CDs) are ring-shaped molecules built from glucose. Imagine a tiny donut with a water-friendly outside and an oil-friendly inside. That inner cavity can temporarily “host” oily guests. Because of this unique architecture, CDs are used in foods, flavor stabilization, cosmetics, and even pharmaceuticals.
α, β, γ: the three core types
- α-Cyclodextrin (α-CD): 6 glucose units — smallest cavity, ideal for dietary fiber applications and selective binding of certain fats.
- β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD): 7 glucose units — larger cavity; common in industrial and flavor uses.
- γ-Cyclodextrin (γ-CD): 8 glucose units — largest cavity; niche applications.
Why ALF focuses on α-CD: It’s recognized as a non-digestible dietary fiber that stays intact through digestion and supports a healthy gut environment through gentle fermentation in the colon.
How α-cyclodextrin works (in plain English)
The ring acts like a tiny cup: water flows around the outside, while oily molecules can slip inside. In nutrition, this host–guest behavior helps manage certain hydrophobic components while the α-CD itself contributes fiber — tasteless, plant-derived, and easy to incorporate.
Good to know
- Source: produced by enzymatically converting plant starch (corn or potato) into rings.
- Digestibility: non-digestible by human enzymes; functions as dietary fiber.
- Taste & solubility: neutral, disperses in cool liquids or soft foods.
The ALF difference
- Ingredient: pure α-cyclodextrin — no flavors, sweeteners, or fillers.
- Origin: fermented in Germany from natural starch, packed in the USA.
- Formats: bulk powder (100 g), stick packs (3 g), and vegan capsules.
How to use α-cyclodextrin
- Stir into cool water, smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal.
- Start with ~3 g per serving and adjust gradually.
- Convenient and mess-free — take with a full glass of water.
- Increase fiber gradually and hydrate well.
- Combine with balanced meals for best effect.
How it compares to other fibers
Like inulin or resistant starch, α-CD is a non-digestible carbohydrate that supports daily fiber intake. Unlike coarse fibers such as psyllium, α-CD has a smooth mouthfeel and unique ring structure that selectively binds hydrophobic molecules — giving it a clean sensory profile and advanced functionality.
Quality & safety
- Purity: single-ingredient α-cyclodextrin verified with Certificates of Analysis (CoA).
- Manufacturing: enzymatic conversion from starch, solvent-free final product.
- Regulatory: recognized for use in foods and supplements globally. Follow label directions.