DrFeb
Health Guide

Ethylgallate

Ethylgallate, often found listed as additive E313, is a nature-derived antioxidant that plays a crucial role in preserving freshness. Chemically, it is the ethyl ester of gallic acid, a compound naturally found in various plants like tea leaves and oak bark. While it is primarily used in the food industry to prevent oils and fats from going rancid, it functions similarly inside the body. It acts as a 'scavenger,' neutralizing unstable molecules called free radicals that cause cellular aging and damage. Think of it as a shield that helps protect your body's tissues from oxidative stress, supporting overall longevity.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Antioxidant Potency (ORAC Value)

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Potency (μmol TE/g)
Compound →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

  • Cellular Protection: Fights oxidative stress to keep cells healthy.
  • Skin Health: Helps protect collagen from degradation.
  • Metabolic Support: May aid in maintaining healthy lipid profiles.

Deep Dive

Ethylgallate is a potent antioxidant primarily because of its gallic acid structure. When you consume foods or supplements containing it, your body utilizes it to stabilize free radicals.

While Ethylgallate is best known for keeping your olive oil fresh in the bottle, the same mechanism protects your body. It donates electrons to unstable molecules, stopping the chain reaction of damage that leads to aging and inflammation. Research suggests that esters of gallic acid, like Ethylgallate, are well-absorbed by the digestive tract, making them effective bioactive compounds when consumed. It is particularly noted for its ability to work synergistically with Vitamin E and C to recycle antioxidants in the body.

Natural Food Sources

Ethylgallate is found in nature, though often in small quantities. It is most abundant in plants that are high in tannins and polyphenols.

Food SourceAmountNotes
Green TeaModerateContains gallate esters naturally
Oak-Aged Red WineModerateLeached from the wood barrels
StrawberriesLowContains trace gallic acid derivatives
RaspberriesLowContains trace gallic acid derivatives
WalnutsLowContains natural phenols

Supplementation

Ethylgallate is rarely sold as a standalone dietary supplement for general consumers. It is mostly found as a component in specialized antioxidant blends or anti-aging skincare supplements.

If you are looking to increase your intake naturally, focus on a diet rich in green tea, berries, and nuts. These whole foods provide gallate esters alongside fiber and vitamins, which is superior to isolated additives.

Top Food Sources

Green Tea
Best natural dietary source
Oak-Aged Wine
Derived from barrels
Walnuts
Contains phenolic compounds
Berries
Source of gallic acid
Supplements
Check label for E313

Frequently Asked Questions

While it is often produced synthetically for use as a food additive (E313), it is chemically identical to the compound found naturally in green tea and other plants. It is considered 'nature-identical'.
It prevents the other ingredients in the capsule from oxidizing and spoiling, extending the shelf life of the product without using harsh chemicals.
Ethylgallate itself is largely tasteless or very faint, so it does not alter the flavor of the foods or supplements it is added to.
Yes. It works well alongside Vitamins C and E. In fact, it helps recycle these vitamins, making them more effective.

Safety & Side Effects

Ethylgallate (E313) is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and EFSA when used in regulated amounts.

Who should be cautious?

  • Individuals with severe allergies: While rare, allergic reactions to gallates (found in food, cosmetics, or supplements) can occur, manifesting as skin rashes or hives.
  • Chemical Sensitivity: If you react to additives like BHT or BHA, you may want to avoid synthetic gallates, though they are chemically distinct.

Side Effects: No significant side effects are reported at dietary levels. Extremely high doses (unrelated to food consumption) could potentially irritate the stomach lining.

Scientific References

  • [1]EFSA Journal (2017). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of gallic acid and its esters (E 310, 311, 312, 313) as food additives.
  • [2]Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2005). 'Antioxidant activity of gallic acid and its alkyl esters in stripped soybean oil.'
  • [3]Pharmacological Research (2016). 'Gallic acid, a natural polyphenol, protects against tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced hepatotoxicity by activating ERK-Nrf2-Keap1-mediated antioxidative response.