Ethyl Lactate
Also known as: Ethyl lactate, ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate, lactic acid ethyl ester
Overview
Ethyl lactate is an ester formed from lactic acid and ethanol, naturally occurring in small amounts in some fermented foods and beverages. It is primarily recognized and utilized as a biodegradable, environmentally friendly ('green') organic solvent due to its low toxicity and biodegradability. Industrially, it finds widespread application in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food flavorings, and chemical synthesis, valued for its excellent solvent properties for both polar and nonpolar substances. While extensively researched for its chemical and industrial applications, there is very limited to no research supporting its use as a dietary supplement or for direct health benefits. It is not considered a typical dietary supplement ingredient.
Benefits
There is no peer-reviewed scientific evidence to support any health or performance benefits of ethyl lactate when used as a dietary supplement. Its primary 'benefit' lies in its industrial applications as a low-toxicity, biodegradable solvent in pharmaceutical and food contexts. No clinical trials, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses have investigated ethyl lactate for nutritional or ergogenic effects. Therefore, no specific conditions or populations are known to benefit from its supplementation, and there are no documented effect sizes or clinical significance in this regard.
How it works
In the context of supplementation, ethyl lactate does not have a known mechanism of action that confers health or performance benefits. When ingested, it is metabolized in the body through hydrolysis into its constituent components: lactic acid and ethanol. Both lactic acid and ethanol are naturally occurring metabolites in the human body and are processed through normal metabolic pathways. However, there is no evidence to suggest that supplementing with ethyl lactate beneficially influences these metabolic pathways or interacts with specific body systems or molecular targets in a way that would provide a therapeutic or ergogenic effect. Its absorption and metabolism are simply a breakdown into common biological molecules.
Side effects
Ethyl lactate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used as a food additive and solvent at typical exposure levels, primarily due to its low toxicity and biodegradability. There are no commonly reported side effects (greater than 5%), uncommon side effects (1-5%), or rare side effects (less than 1%) documented in the literature at these typical exposure levels. No specific drug interactions or contraindications have been identified. As it is not used as a dietary supplement, there is no data available regarding its safety or potential side effects in special populations when consumed in supplement-like quantities. The existing safety profile is based on its industrial and food additive applications, not on its use as a direct ingestible supplement.
Dosage
There is no established minimum effective dose, optimal dosage range, or maximum safe dose for ethyl lactate as a dietary supplement, as it is not recognized or studied for this purpose. Dosing guidelines are not applicable, and there are no timing considerations or form-specific recommendations for supplementation. When ingested, ethyl lactate is hydrolyzed in the body into ethanol and lactic acid. No specific cofactors are required for its metabolism. The safety thresholds established for ethyl lactate relate to its use as an industrial solvent or food additive, where exposure levels are typically very low and not intended for direct, concentrated ingestion as a supplement.
FAQs
Is ethyl lactate effective as a supplement?
No, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of ethyl lactate as a dietary supplement or ergogenic aid for any health or performance benefits.
Is it safe to consume?
At typical low levels found in food additives or as a solvent residue, it is considered safe. However, it is not intended for direct consumption as a supplement.
Can it improve athletic performance?
There is no clinical evidence or research to suggest that ethyl lactate can improve athletic performance.
Is it natural or synthetic?
Ethyl lactate can be produced naturally through fermentation or synthesized chemically. Both forms are chemically identical.
Research Sources
- https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2011/gc/c1gc15523g – This 2011 tutorial review in Green Chemistry provides an extensive overview of ethyl lactate's properties and applications as a 'green' solvent. It highlights its environmental benefits and low toxicity, positioning it as a sustainable alternative in various industrial processes, but does not discuss any nutritional or supplement-related uses.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/kin.21456 – A 2020 study published in Wiley’s International Journal of Chemical Kinetics analyzed the chemical diversity and reactivity of ethyl lactate. This research reinforces its utility as a versatile solvent in chemical applications, focusing on its industrial role without addressing any biological or supplement effects.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10600889/ – This 2023 ACS Omega article describes the use of ethyl lactate as a green solvent in organic synthesis. The study emphasizes its eco-friendly profile and industrial utility in chemical reactions, but it does not provide any information or research related to health, nutrition, or supplementation.
