Protocatechuic acid
What it is
A simple phenolic acid metabolite of anthocyanins and gallic acid, found in berries, red wine, and green tea. Protocatechuic acid has potent antioxidant activity, documented cardioprotective effects in animal studies (reduced oxidised LDL, platelet aggregation inhibition), and emerging neuroprotective data. Readily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Primarily studied as a phytochemical marker of whole-food polyphenol consumption, though increasingly present in antioxidant formulas.
Dose
50–200 mg/day with food
Time of day & tips
Pairs well with quercetin and other phenolics in a polyphenol stack; most evidence is in vitro and animal; whole berry extracts may be superior to isolated PCA
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