Health Guide

Polyethylene Wax

Polyethylene Wax (PE Wax) is a low-molecular-weight polyethylene polymer. While you asked about it as a dietary supplement, it is crucial to understand that this is a synthetic material used industrially as a lubricant, coating agent, and thickener. It is **not** a vitamin, mineral, or organic nutrient found in nature. It does not provide energy or biological activity to the human body. In the context of food, it is sometimes used as a glazing agent or anti-caking additive (often listed as E914), but it provides no health benefits.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Digestibility Comparison

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

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Digestibility (%)

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Health Benefits & Sources

What does it do for the body?

The honest answer: It provides no nutritional benefits.

Unlike organic compounds found in fruits and vegetables, Polyethylene Wax is biologically inert. This means your body cannot digest or metabolize it for energy or cellular repair.

Industrial Uses: In industry, it is valued for its hardness and high melting point. It is used to make crayons, polishes, and to coat paper products.
In Food: When used in food (as a coating for candies or fruits), it acts as a physical barrier to prevent moisture loss. It passes through the digestive system unchanged.

Natural Sources

There are no natural food sources of Polyethylene Wax.

Nature: PE Wax is a product of petrochemical refinement (crude oil/gas).
Vegetables/Fruits: The 'wax' found on apples or cucumbers is a natural plant wax called Cutin, which is completely different chemically from Polyethylene Wax.

Supplementation

Polyethylene Wax is not available as a dietary supplement and should not be taken for health reasons. It is classified as an additive.

Top Food Sources

Polyethylene Wax (Synthetic)

Found in industrial plastics, not food groups.

Apple Skin (Natural Wax)

Contains Cutin (natural plant polyester).

Carnauba Wax

A natural plant wax used as a vegan alternative to PE wax in food glazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The wax on apples is natural (Cutin) and secreted by the fruit itself to retain moisture. Polyethylene Wax is a synthetic plastic polymer.

No. Oil pulling requires organic oils (like coconut or sesame). PE Wax is a plastic solid and is not safe for this practice.

In very small amounts used as a glazing agent (like on candy), it is considered safe by regulatory bodies because it passes through the body undigested. However, it offers zero nutritional value.

It is rarely used as a lubricant in the manufacturing of tablet capsules (to prevent sticking). It is not the active ingredient inside the pill.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety Profile & Side Effects

Who should avoid it? Everyone should avoid taking it as a supplement. It is not a food group.

Potential Side Effects: While considered 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS) by the FDA in very specific, small amounts as a food additive, ingesting pure wax or large quantities can cause:

Gastrointestinal Distress: Abdominal pain, nausea, and constipation.
Bezoars: Because it is indigestible, it can clump in the stomach or intestines, leading to blockages (bezoars).

Interactions: Because it is inert, it does not interact with vitamins or medications chemically, but it may affect the absorption of other drugs by physically trapping them in the digestive tract.

Scientific References

[1]FDA Title 21 CFR 172.888: Specifications for Polyethylene Wax in food additives.
[2]EFSA Journal: Safety assessment of Polyethylene Wax as a food contact material.
[3]Toxicology Studies: Indigestible polymers and gastrointestinal impact.