Glycerin, also called glycerol, is a trihydroxy alcohol that is considered an organic compound micro-nutrient. Most commonly used in cosmetics and fragrances, as well as the pharmaceutical industry, glycerin has no known toxicity associated with it.

Function

Glycerin is naturally derived from vegetable oils or artificially produced through propylene alcohol. Its main function is to attract water and is considered a humectant, providing moisture to the skin. It is widely used in lotions. It is also a popular solvent that mixes well with water or alcohol but will not mix with other oils.

Controversy

Glycerin has two contrasting traits that make it controversial. While it is considered an emollient, it is also considered hygroscopic, meaning it draws water even from the air, which makes the theory that glycerin moisturizes skin impossible. Mixed with water, glycerin does soften the skin, but how or why is not yet understood.

Inside the Cells

At the cellular level, glycerin maintains water balance, increasing hydration. It keeps cells hydrated thereby keeping cells plump. Therefore, it is used to hydrate athletes.

Athletic Benefits

Many long-distance athletes, like marathon runners, will ingest glycerin prior to endurance sports. The "Journal of Applied Physiology" (1995) suggests that ingestion of water-glycerin drinks maintain hydration but also lower the heart rate and provide extra endurance in addition to minimizing water retention.

Endurance Training Benefits

"The International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism" reported a scientific study where triathletes were given a glycerol-based drink or a placebo. The results indicated that the triathletes retained more water (produced less urine) than the placebo recipients and performed better overall by more than 10 minutes during the marathon.

Source:

Nutros

Dermaxime

Pioneer Thinking

Resource:

Peak Performance Online