Zemea
Also known as: Propanediol, bio-based propanediol, Zemea® USP Propanediol, 1,3-Propanediol
Overview
1,3-Propanediol, marketed under the brand name Zemea®, is a 100% bio-based ingredient derived from the fermentation of corn sugar. It serves primarily as a natural, sustainable alternative to petroleum-based glycols like propylene glycol in various formulations. This compound is classified as a solvent and humectant, widely utilized in the cosmetics, personal care, and dietary supplement industries. In supplements, it functions as an excipient or carrier, improving the texture, stability, and absorption of active ingredients. It is not considered an active supplement ingredient itself, meaning it does not provide direct health benefits. Research on 1,3-propanediol focuses on its safety and functional properties as a formulation component rather than its direct physiological effects.
Benefits
There is no direct clinical evidence supporting health benefits of 1,3-propanediol itself when consumed as a supplement. Its primary role is as an excipient, meaning it facilitates the delivery and stability of other active ingredients within a formulation. As a solvent and humectant, it may indirectly improve the absorption or stability of other supplement ingredients, but there are no quantified clinical outcomes or specific studies demonstrating this effect in humans. Therefore, 1,3-propanediol does not offer population-specific benefits or have measurable effect sizes related to health outcomes. Its utility is purely functional within product formulations, not as a bioactive compound.
How it works
1,3-Propanediol functions primarily as a solvent and humectant within formulations. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, improving their solubility and dispersion. As a humectant, it attracts and retains moisture, which can contribute to product stability and texture. In the context of supplements, this means it can help keep active ingredients uniformly distributed and potentially enhance their absorption by improving their solubility. While it is readily absorbed and metabolized by the body, similar to other glycols, it does not interact with specific biological pathways or molecular targets to exert direct health effects. Its mechanism of action is purely physicochemical, related to its properties as a solvent and moisturizer.
Side effects
1,3-Propanediol (Zemea® USP Propanediol) is generally considered safe for use in food, cosmetics, and supplements as a carrier or solvent, and is FDA-approved for such applications. Common side effects are minimal, with rare instances of mild irritation reported, primarily with topical use. There are no well-documented uncommon or rare systemic side effects associated with its use as an excipient. No known drug interactions or contraindications have been identified. It is generally safe for special populations, and no specific warnings apply. The overall safety assessment indicates a low risk profile when used at typical formulation levels, consistent with its 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS) status for its intended applications.
Dosage
As 1,3-propanediol (Zemea®) is not an active supplement ingredient, there is no minimum effective dose or optimal dosage range for direct health benefits. It is used as a formulation excipient, typically incorporated at low percentages within a product, often less than 10% of the total formulation. There is no established maximum safe dose specifically for its use in supplements, as it is generally recognized as safe at typical use levels. It is primarily used in liquid or semi-solid formulations to enhance the solubility and stability of other active ingredients. Timing considerations and required cofactors are not applicable, as its role is functional rather than bioactive.
FAQs
Is Zemea an active supplement ingredient?
No, Zemea (1,3-propanediol) is a formulation ingredient, not a bioactive compound. It serves as a solvent and humectant to improve product properties.
Is Zemea safe?
Yes, Zemea is considered safe for its intended use as a carrier or solvent in food, cosmetics, and supplements, and is FDA-approved for these applications.
Does Zemea provide health benefits?
No direct evidence supports health benefits from Zemea itself. Its role is to facilitate the delivery and stability of other active ingredients in a formulation.
Can Zemea improve supplement absorption?
Potentially, as a solvent and humectant, Zemea may enhance the solubility and stability of other active ingredients, which could indirectly aid absorption, but clinical data confirming this specific effect are lacking.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37469128/ – This source likely discusses aspects of 1,3-propanediol, potentially focusing on its safety or applications in various products. It contributes to the understanding of its general use and properties.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1567438/full – This article from Frontiers in Nutrition may touch upon ingredients used in nutritional products, indirectly supporting the understanding of 1,3-propanediol's role as an excipient rather than an active nutrient.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1556133/full – Similar to the previous Frontiers in Nutrition article, this source likely provides context on supplement formulations or ingredients, reinforcing the classification of 1,3-propanediol as a non-active component.
- https://ricerca.uniba.it/handle/11586/518201 – This research from Uniba could provide insights into the chemical properties, synthesis, or applications of 1,3-propanediol, contributing to its characterization as a functional ingredient.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22212388/ – This PubMed entry likely details research on 1,3-propanediol, possibly concerning its safety profile, metabolic pathways, or use in specific applications, supporting its 'Generally Recognized As Safe' status.
- https://www.supplysidesj.com/supplement-regulations/dupont-tate-lyle-zemea-usp-propanediol – This article from SupplySide Journal directly discusses Zemea® USP Propanediol, likely covering its regulatory status, industry applications, and its role as an excipient in supplements, confirming it is not an active ingredient.
