Allervibe
E304
Ascorbyl palmitate
A fat-soluble form of vitamin C, made by joining ascorbic acid to palmitic acid.
i Additive Details
| Is E304 Ascorbyl palmitate safe?
Considered safe at the levels used in food; the body breaks it down into ascorbic acid and palmitic acid, both ordinary dietary components. The palmitic acid is usually obtained from palm oil, which matters to readers avoiding palm oil for environmental reasons rather than for health ones. Unlike vitamin C itself, this additive has a numerical ADI, so permitted intake is capped.
| Uses
Protects oils, fats, margarine, mayonnaise, nut products, breakfast cereals, snack foods and infant formula from going rancid. Because it dissolves in fat rather than water, it is used where plain ascorbic acid cannot reach the part of the food that oxidises.
| Interactions
Works synergistically with tocopherols (E306 and E307), regenerating them so that they last longer in the fat phase. It is often combined with citric acid (E330), which binds trace metals that would otherwise speed up oxidation.
| Origin
Made by esterifying ascorbic acid with palmitic acid, which is typically obtained from palm oil and sometimes from other vegetable fats. The ascorbic acid part is produced industrially from glucose.
| Daily Intake
JECFA has set a group ADI of 0 to 1.25 mg per kg of body weight per day for ascorbyl palmitate and ascorbyl stearate. For a 70 kg adult that works out at roughly 88 mg per day.
Information is sourced from public regulatory bodies (EFSA, FDA, WHO) and is for reference only. Always read the package and consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Related additives
- E321 Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) A synthetic phenolic antioxidant used to delay rancidity in fats, oils and fat-containing foods.
- E301 Sodium ascorbate The sodium salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), used as an antioxidant in food.
- E302 Calcium ascorbate The calcium salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), used as a food antioxidant.
- E306 Tocopherol-rich extract A natural mixture of tocopherols (vitamin E) obtained from vegetable oils and used as an antioxidant.
- E307 Alpha-tocopherol A single form of vitamin E, normally produced synthetically, used as an antioxidant in fats and oils.
- E392 Extracts of rosemary A plant extract from rosemary leaves, used as a natural antioxidant in fatty foods.
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