GlycerSize™ – what is glycerol and why is it used in dietary supplements?

GlycerSize™ is a patented and highly concentrated form of glycerol used in dietary supplements to support hydration, muscle volume, and endurance. It is developed by Glanbia Nutritionals and contains 65% glycerol – compared to older glycerol powders that often only contained 25%.

But what actually is glycerol? How does it work in the body? And why does Skytrition choose to use GlycerSize™ in its products?

Here, we walk you through everything you need to know.

What is glycerol?

Glycerol (also called glycerin) is a natural substance found in all living organisms. It is an alcohol with three hydroxyl groups and is a fundamental building block of fats – all triglycerides consist of a glycerol molecule with three fatty acids attached to it.

In the body, glycerol is used as an energy source and as part of fluid balance, among other things. It is a so-called osmotically active substance – it attracts and binds water in the body.

What is GlycerSize™?

GlycerSize™ is Glanbia Nutritionals' patented form of glycerol powder with a concentration of 65% glycerol. It solves an old problem with glycerol in powder form – that it easily clumps together and is difficult to mix.

GlycerSize™ is stabilized with silica, which makes it easier to handle and mix into dietary supplements without clumping. This makes it possible to include higher doses of glycerol in a formula compared to older glycerol powders.

How does glycerol work in the body?

Glycerol is osmotically active, which means that it affects fluid distribution in the body. When you ingest glycerol, the osmotic pressure in the blood and muscles increases, which causes the body to retain more water.

This is called hyperhydration – a state where the body stores more fluid than normal. For people who exercise, this can mean:

• Increased muscle volume and pump – more fluid in the muscle cells provides a visible and tangible pump
• Improved hydration – the body retains more fluid during exercise
• Support for endurance – better fluid balance can support performance during long sessions
• Thermoregulation – more fluid in the body can help regulate body temperature during high intensity

Glycerol and pump – how are they connected?

Pump – the feeling of swelling muscles you get during training – occurs when blood and fluid flow into the muscle cells. Glycerol contributes to the pump by increasing the amount of fluid in the muscles, which enhances the osmotic effect that occurs when blood supply increases during exercise.

Therefore, glycerol is a common ingredient in pump-focused pre-workout products and intra-workout formulas.

GlycerSize™ compared to regular glycerol powder

There are several forms of glycerol on the market:

• Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) – an older form with about 25% glycerol, known for clumping
• HydroMax® – another patented form with 65% glycerol, similar to GlycerSize™
• GlycerSize™ – 65% glycerol, stabilized with silica for better handling and mixability

GlycerSize™ and HydroMax® are the two dominant highly concentrated glycerol forms on the market today and are used in premium dietary supplements where higher doses of glycerol are desired.

When is it best to take glycerol?

Glycerol is usually used:

• Before training – as part of a pre-workout formula to maximize pump and hyperhydration before the session
• During training (intra-workout) – to maintain fluid balance during long or intense sessions
• As hydration support – in electrolyte and hydration products for daily use or during high sweat output

Glycerol should be taken with plenty of water for the osmotic effect to work optimally.

In which Skytrition products is GlycerSize™ found?

GlycerSize™ is used in four of Skytrition's products:

• CarbUP – Carbohydrates – an advanced carbohydrate product with Cluster Dextrin™, Carb10®, and GlycerSize™ for optimal energy and hydration
• BlowitUP – High End Pump Formula – a stimulant-free pre-workout with a focus on pump, where GlycerSize™ is a central ingredient
• MessitUP – High End Stim Nootropic & Pump Formula – a complete pre-workout with stimulants, nootropics, and pump ingredients including GlycerSize™
• HydraUP – Electrolytes – a dedicated electrolyte product where GlycerSize™ contributes to hydration

What should you consider when choosing products with GlycerSize™?

1. The dose of GlycerSize™

Check how much GlycerSize™ is included per serving. Since GlycerSize™ contains 65% glycerol, you can calculate the actual glycerol dose by multiplying the GlycerSize™ amount by 0.65.

2. Fluid intake

Glycerol works best when you drink enough water. Make sure you are well-hydrated when using products with GlycerSize™.

3. Combination with other pump ingredients

GlycerSize™ is often combined with citrulline, arginine, and nitrates for a synergistic pump effect. Look at the entire formula to assess the pump potential.

Frequently asked questions about GlycerSize™ and glycerol

What is GlycerSize™?
GlycerSize™ is Glanbia Nutritionals' patented glycerol powder with a 65% glycerol concentration, stabilized with silica for better handling.

Why is glycerol used in pre-workout?
Glycerol is osmotically active and draws water into muscle cells, which increases pump and supports hydration during exercise.

How much water should you drink with glycerol?
Glycerol should be taken with plenty of water – at least 4–6 dl per serving – for the osmotic effect to function optimally.

What is the difference between GlycerSize™ and HydroMax®?
Both are patented glycerol forms with a 65% concentration. GlycerSize™ is stabilized with silica, while HydroMax® uses a different stabilization method.

In which Skytrition products is GlycerSize™ found?
GlycerSize™ is included in CarbUP, BlowitUP, MessitUP, and HydraUP.

Is glycerol safe to use?
Glycerol is a natural substance that has been used in food and cosmetics for decades. Always follow the recommended dosage on the product.

Summary

GlycerSize™ is a patented, highly concentrated form of glycerol (65%) used in dietary supplements to support pump, hydration, and endurance. Through its osmotic effect, glycerol attracts water into muscle cells and increases muscle volume during training.

It is included in Skytrition's CarbUP, BlowitUP, MessitUP, and HydraUP. When choosing products with glycerol – check the dose, drink enough water, and look at the entire pump formula.