Glycerol monostearate (GMS)

Glycerol monostearate is also known as Monostearin is  an organic molecule that is mostly used as an emulsifier in waxes, solvents, and also oils.

It is odorless and has a sweet-testing .GMS is not completely pure and contains: Glycerol monostearate, that is used in baked foods and Glycerol distearate, that its main application is in cosmetics. And glycerol tristearate, that is more hydrophobic than the two previous. It plays the role of hardening agents in materials like soap and candles.

According to the percentage of Glyceryl monostearate it has 3 types: GMS40, GMS60, DGM (Distilled GMS) and these functions in the industry are the same.

GMS is an artificial matter that is made in a laboratory but it produces naturally in the body when the pancreatic lipase breaks down fats.

Physical and chemical properties

Molecular formula	C21H42O4
Molecular weight	358.556 g/mol
Melting point	60 ͦ C
Boiling point	476.9 ͦ C
Solubility	It’s insoluble in water and soluble in hot oils and organic solvents.
Appearance	White solid
Chemical structure

 

 

Production

It can be synthesized in 2 ways:

1. The reaction between glycerol and oils or fats that is called glycerolysis.
2. The reaction between glycerol and fatty acids for example stearic acid.

The fatty materials that are used in these reactions are all edible.

Applications

Glycerol monostearate is mostly used in paste state and has application in different fields of industry

Food:

This product is a food additive that is responsible for emulsifying, thickening, and preservative agent.

It is useable in:

Bread: Monostearin will preserve bread from molding and also make it soft.

Cakes: it will reduce the fat level and also promote foam in it.

Pasta: GMS will prevent stickiness in pasta

Also, this matter will prevent stickiness and crystallization in ice cream, chocolate, and caramels.

Bodybuilding supplements:

Monostearin exists in these materials for keeping the body hydrated and absorbing nutrients. It can increase the blood flow so affects muscles growing.

Cosmetics

It is a softener and emulsifier in this field. Cosmetic has applications in many products for example deodorants, sun care, facial, skin, and hair care.

Plastics

Because of some properties such as antistatic, foaming, lubricant, and antifogging, it’s useable in producing plastics.

Monostearin can help to promote insulation so manufacturers use it in polyethylene.

Monostearin has other applications too, for example, it is a laxative that prevents constipation or in the laboratory, it’s an emulsifier for solvents and waxes.

Safety

GMS is known as a safe ingredient and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) confirmed it and believe that Monostearin is non-toxic and doesn’t have any side effects on humans Even The world Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) considers GMS nontoxic and safe for Athletes.

This matter has no side effects on special groups like pregnant and newborns too, But if a person eats GMS more than the safe dosage he will feel headache, bloating, nausea, etc.

 

 

References

https://www.wikipedia.org/

https://foodadditives.net/

https://drugs.ncats.io/