Glycerol Monostearate Powder
Also known as: Glycerol monostearate, glyceryl monostearate, GMS, monostearin, Glycerol Monostearate
Overview
Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) is a monoglyceride formed from glycerol and stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid. It is commonly derived from natural fats and oils or synthesized industrially. GMS is an amphiphilic molecule, possessing both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) parts, which makes it highly effective as an emulsifier and thickening agent. It is widely utilized in the food industry, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. In the context of supplements, GMS primarily functions as a matrix or excipient, meaning it is an inactive ingredient used to control the release of active compounds or to improve the texture and stability of formulations. While well-established in industrial and pharmaceutical applications, direct clinical research on GMS as an active supplement ingredient with intrinsic health benefits is limited. Most available research focuses on its physicochemical properties and its role in formulation rather than direct health effects.
Benefits
Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) is primarily beneficial for its role in controlling the release of active pharmaceutical ingredients in oral formulations. For instance, it can sustain the release of drugs like gliclazide, an antidiabetic medication, which can improve patient compliance by reducing the frequency of dosing. This controlled release mechanism is a significant advantage in pharmaceutical applications, indirectly benefiting patients by optimizing drug delivery. However, there is no direct evidence from high-quality clinical trials to support intrinsic health benefits of GMS when consumed as a standalone supplement ingredient. Its effects are largely physicochemical, related to its ability to form a hydrophobic matrix that slows drug diffusion. While in vitro studies demonstrate its effectiveness in modulating drug release kinetics, there are no quantified clinical effect sizes on human health outcomes directly attributable to GMS itself.
How it works
Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) functions primarily through physical mechanisms rather than biological ones. As an excipient, it forms a hydrophobic matrix within formulations, such as tablets, which physically slows down the diffusion of active compounds. This matrix acts as a barrier, controlling the rate at which the active ingredient is released from the formulation into the body. GMS is generally considered inert within the body; it does not interact with specific molecular targets or biological pathways to exert pharmacological effects. Upon ingestion, GMS is digested by lipases in the gastrointestinal tract, breaking down into glycerol and stearic acid, which are then absorbed as normal fat components. Its primary role is to modify the release profile of other substances it is formulated with.
Side effects
Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory agencies when used as a food additive or pharmaceutical excipient. Common side effects are not reported in clinical use, and it is considered well-tolerated. Uncommon side effects, such as mild gastrointestinal discomfort, are possible but rare, typically only occurring with very large doses. Hypersensitivity reactions are extremely rare. There are no known drug interactions associated with GMS. Furthermore, no specific contraindications have been established for its use. GMS is considered safe for the general population, and there are no specific warnings or concerns for special populations, including pregnant or lactating women, when used within recommended guidelines as an excipient or food additive.
Dosage
As Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) is primarily used as an excipient rather than an active ingredient, there is no minimum effective dose for direct health benefits. Its dosage depends entirely on the specific formulation requirements. In pharmaceutical applications, GMS is typically incorporated at concentrations ranging from 1% to 10% weight/weight (w/w) in tablet matrices to achieve sustained drug release. For food applications, it is generally used at concentrations up to 2%. There is no established toxic dose for GMS, reflecting its high safety profile. GMS is not intended to be taken separately but is integrated into formulations during manufacturing processes, often requiring proper mixing and melting. Its absorption is dependent on the digestion of its fat components in the gastrointestinal tract. No specific cofactors are required for its function.
FAQs
Is glycerol monostearate an active supplement?
No, Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) is primarily an excipient, meaning it's an inactive ingredient used to control drug release or improve the texture and stability of formulations, not to provide direct health benefits.
Is it safe to consume?
Yes, GMS is widely used in food and pharmaceutical products and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory agencies. Side effects are rare and typically mild.
Does it improve exercise or metabolism?
There is no direct scientific evidence to support claims that Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) itself improves exercise performance or metabolism. Its role is primarily as a formulation aid.
Can it cause allergies?
Allergic reactions to GMS are extremely rare, but as with any substance, it is theoretically possible for sensitive individuals to experience a reaction.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3590833/ – This in vitro study investigated the use of GMS in gliclazide matrix tablets, demonstrating its effectiveness in achieving sustained drug release over 8 hours. The research confirmed GMS's role as a physical release modulator without chemical interaction with the drug, highlighting its utility in controlled-release pharmaceutical formulations.
- https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=dfb475565a52cff0cfd9f0118439605f92a4fd32 – This analytical study compared the physical properties of GMS from different sources, revealing variability in consistency and stability when used in cream formulations. The findings underscore the importance of source and purity of GMS for its performance as an excipient in various applications.
