[vmelkon]

I once saw that sodium gallate was in the list of ingredients of a certain type of chips. I'm talking about food when I say chips.
I think they are called cheeze doodles. They are about the size of half a finger, and cheeze flavored and very oily.
Why would they add sodium gallate? Does this mean it contains gallium or perhaps they are talking about the salt of this acid
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallic_acid

[408]

It is the salt of the organic acid.  As for why, it is most likely for taste as 'cheeze doodles' certainly are not intended as a health food.  However according to wikipedia it may have positive health effects
"Gallic acid seems to have anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Gallic acid acts as a antioxidant and helps to protect our cells against oxidative damage. Gallic acid was found to show cytotoxicity against cancer cells, without harming healthy cells. Gallic acid is used a remote astringent in cases of internal haemorrhage. Gallic acid is also used to treat albuminuria and diabetes. Some ointment to treat psoriasis and external haemorrhoids contain gallic acid."