Glycerin

[Shak]

I was reading the ingredient list on a Biochem Protein Bar and I couldn't get the calories to add up. Then I saw, in tiny little print, a note that said "Glycerin accounts for 4.63 calories." I did the math, and discovered that there has to be about 25 grams of glycerin in those bars.

I tried doing a search on the net for glycerin and most of the articles dealt with it's use in soap & candles.

Does anyone know exactly what glycerin is or it's nutrional info? This bars list only 2g of carbs - but is glycerin considered a carb or sugar??

Thanks for any insight anyone can offer -
I posted this on the diet forum too...

 

[KEL]

glycerin is a main component in suppositories

I'd count it as fat.

 

[MS]

I would just count it as non-protein calories. It has no impact on insulin and blood sugar and can be used by your body as either a fat or a carb at around 4 cals per gram.

 

[Shak]

Thanks for the info!

 

[Pinkdumbell]

In canada the goverment passed new legistlation that says the glycerin count now has to be listed as part of the total carb count on bars. People are having a hard time figuring out why they can't find their "low carb" bars. Just an bit of trivia for ya.

 

[wilson6]

How's it used as a fat MS? I thought glycerol was phosphorylated and metabolized primarily in glycolysis entering at the 3-C level or am I being short sighted.

W6

 

[MS]

I meant that some (admittedly a small amount) of the glycerol can be recycled to triacylglycerols and stored as fat if there is a high level of plasma FFAs (such as on a high fat keto diet). However I believe that if carbs and calories are in excess of need, then it can also, like any other carb, be converted and stored as fat. I admit this is unlikely in most circumstances and glycerol is far more likely to undergo glycolysis if the liver is energy depleted, or gluconeogenesis to provide glucose for the rest of the body. Without a doubt if you are on a lowered carb diet, glycerol will be used as non-insulemic glucose in one way or another. Either way it adds around 4 cals per gram and I would personally only worry about what type of calories it is if I were attempting to establish ketosis.

 

[spatts]

MS, how long did it take you to become a genius? Did you just spend like 20-30 years training and studying non-stop?

 

[MS]

"MS, how long did it take you to become a genius?"

Spatts, I am but a grasshopper. Wilson6 knows all this and much more Howeve I DO admit to studying non-stop for the last 20-30 years. I just wish I could remember 1/10th of everything I've learned. THEN I would be a true genius, or at least a know-it-all with a penchant for trivial facts.

My real point was that I feel almost everyone these days worries overly much about what KIND of calories they are eating when, IMHO, it is one of those trivial details. Get enough protein and EFAs, and keep the rest of calories in check. In this regard, glycerol is just calories (unless you are an endurance athlete looking to superhydrate while providing some slow release carbs to fuel your silly long race). If you eat too many calories, you get fat

 

[wilson6]

"I just wish I could remember 1/10th of everything I've learned. "

Ain't that the truth.

W6