What is AlphaGML™
AlphaGML™ refers to high-purity α-glycerol monolaurate that is used as a feed additive for animals. This is used for its antimicrobial and antiviral benefits in poultry, swine, and aquaculture, which include boosting gut health, immune resilience, and growth performance.
Glycerol Monolaurate (GML) is a naturally occurring monoglyceride formed as a result of the esterification reaction of lauric acid (a medium-chain fatty acid) and glycerol. Not only does it work as an emulsifier, but it also inhibits the enveloped virus and Gram-positive bacteria. GML naturally occurs in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and even human breast milk.
As a functional lipid in animal nutrition, Glycerol Monolaurate supports intestinal integrity, reduces pathogen pressure, and enhances overall performance.
How AlphaGML™ Works
Glycerol Monolaurate, the functional compound of AlphaGML™, has broad-spectrum activity, which makes it a natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. α-Glycerol monolaurate (or α-monolaurin) has a single lauric acid chain attached to the glycerol backbone, making it a more stable and energetically favorable form.
This compound disrupts cell membranes, inhibiting microbial growth and immune cell function, by acting as a surfactant. This disruption to the lipid bilayers of microbial cell membranes causes cell lysis and death. It also inhibits the production of bacterial toxins.
α-monolaurin also modulates immune cell function by altering the dynamics of their cell membranes. It disrupts the formation of protein clusters, suppressing T-cell function and affecting the actin cytoskeleton. It also inhibits B-cell activation by disrupting lipid membrane dynamics, interfering with the cell’s ability to produce cytokines.
In certain animals, supplementing with GML improves the feed conversion ratio. Lastly, GML can improve gut health by increasing the level of antioxidants and improving intestinal morphology.
Benefits of AlphaGML™
The key physiological benefits of glycerol monolaurate include:
- Disruption of pathogen cell membranes, leading to cell lysis
- Modulation of gut microbiota, promoting Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria
- Reduction of intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress
- Improvement of feed conversion and animal resilience under stress conditions
Thus, it can be used to treat illnesses like:
- Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSv)
- Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV)
Though glycerol monolaurate (or monolaurin) does not fall under the regulatory purview of EFSA or AAFCO, it is considered safe for use in food and cosmetics. In controlled trials, the use of AlphaGML™ has shown a 67% reduction in functional PRRSv. Further, it has reduced the piglet mortality rate and increased average weaning weight. Further, it has also reduced the incidence of diarrhea by 30%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Monilaurin disintegrates the protective lipid envelope of viruses, effectively neutralizing them. This prevents the attachment of viral proteins to host cells, interferes with replication, and supports the immune system. Thus, monolaurin’s benefits include its anti-microbial effects, anti-inflammatory properties, and protection of gut and skin health.
Glycerol monolaurate (GML) displays broad-spectrum activity by disrupting the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus’s ability to infect pigs by damaging its envelope, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and boosting the immune response. This reduces the clinical signs, decreases viral load, and supports the growth of animals (specifically pigs).
AlphaGML™ is safe for pregnant animals and is shown to improve the average weaning weight of piglets and reduce their mortality rate.
The monoglyceride form has stronger virucidal, bactericidal, and fungicidal activity. In contrast, the dilaurin derivative is not an active antimicrobial agent. While the monoglyceride is used as a dietary supplement, the diglyceride serves as an emulsifying agent in the cosmetic industry. Thus, they have different effects and one cannot be compared to the other.
