Allervibe
E307
Alpha-tocopherol
A single form of vitamin E, normally produced synthetically, used as an antioxidant in fats and oils.
i Additive Details
| Is E307 Alpha-tocopherol safe?
Considered safe at the levels used in food. The synthetic material is not derived from soy or any other allergenic source, which distinguishes it from tocopherol-rich extract (E306). High-dose vitamin E supplements taken over long periods have been linked to an increased bleeding tendency, but additive use in food is far below those amounts.
| Uses
Prevents rancidity in vegetable oils, fried and baked goods, margarine, meat products, sauces and infant foods. It is also added to foods and supplements for its vitamin E activity.
| Interactions
Works together with ascorbyl palmitate (E304) and with sequestrants such as citric acid (E330) that remove the metal traces which start oxidation. Like other tocopherols, it can behave as a pro-oxidant if used at unnecessarily high concentrations.
| Origin
Usually manufactured synthetically from trimethylhydroquinone and isophytol. Alpha-tocopherol also occurs naturally in wheat germ, sunflower, olive and other vegetable oils, but the additive itself is normally the synthetic form.
| Daily Intake
JECFA has set a group ADI of 0.15 to 2 mg per kg of body weight per day for tocopherols. The lower figure reflects the nutritional requirement for vitamin E and the upper figure the safe upper limit.
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.
- E304 Ascorbyl palmitate A fat-soluble form of vitamin C, made by joining ascorbic acid to palmitic acid.
- E306 Tocopherol-rich extract A natural mixture of tocopherols (vitamin E) obtained from vegetable oils and used as an antioxidant.
- E392 Extracts of rosemary A plant extract from rosemary leaves, used as a natural antioxidant in fatty foods.
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