From the Guidelines
Ferulic acid is a potent antioxidant that offers several benefits, including protecting against cell damage, reducing inflammation, and improving skin health 1. The benefits of ferulic acid can be attributed to its ability to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which are harmful compounds that can accumulate in the body and contribute to various diseases.
Key Benefits of Ferulic Acid
- Anti-glycative properties: Ferulic acid has been shown to exhibit anti-glycative properties, which can help reduce the formation of AGEs in the body 1.
- Antioxidant activity: Ferulic acid has antioxidant properties, which can help protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation 1.
- Skin health benefits: Ferulic acid may also have benefits for skin health, including improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Recommended Intake and Precautions
It is recommended to consume 50-500 mg of ferulic acid per day, either through dietary sources such as fermented foods, or as a supplement 1. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before taking ferulic acid supplements, especially if you are taking medications such as blood thinners, as it may interact with them. Additionally, ferulic acid may be combined with other antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E to enhance its benefits. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should exercise caution and consult their healthcare provider before using ferulic acid supplements.
Food Sources and Culinary Practices
Ferulic acid can be found in various food sources, including fermented foods, and can also be added to foods during cooking to reduce AGE formation 1. Culinary practices such as using lower cooking temperatures, steaming, stewing, and poaching, and adding acids like vinegar or lemon juice to food can also help reduce AGE levels.
From the Research
Benefits of Ferulic Acid
- Ferulic acid has been shown to act as a potent antioxidant by scavenging free radicals and enhancing the cell stress response through the up-regulation of cytoprotective systems 2, 3
- It has been proposed as a potential treatment for many disorders including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and skin disease 2, 4, 3
- Ferulic acid has anti-inflammatory activities, which can help protect against skin damages like inflammation, dryness, wrinkles, and cancer caused by UV radiation 5, 6
- It may serve an important antioxidant function in preserving physiological integrity of cells exposed to both air and impinging UV radiation 6
- Ferulic acid may protect against various inflammatory diseases by scavenging deleterious radicals and suppressing radiation-induced oxidative reactions 6
Therapeutic Potential
- Ferulic acid has been proposed for the treatment of several age-related diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer 2, 4, 3
- It has been shown to inhibit the expression and/or activity of cytotoxic enzymes including inducible nitric oxide synthase, caspases, and cyclooxygenase-2 2, 3
- The therapeutic potential of ferulic acid in chronic diseases needs to be further evaluated through clinical research 2, 3
Dietary Intake and Pharmacokinetic Properties
- Ferulic acid is an abundant dietary antioxidant found in high levels in both free and bound forms in vegetables, fruits, cereals, and coffee 4
- The estimated daily intake of ferulic acid from consumption of these foods is approximately 150-250mg/day 4
- Ferulic acid can be absorbed along the entire gastrointestinal tract and metabolized mainly by the liver 4