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E307 – Synthetic Alpha-Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

E307 is synthetic alpha-tocopherol, a form of Vitamin E used as an antioxidant food additive. It protects fats and oils from oxidative spoilage and rancidity.

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Things worth knowing about "E307"

E307 is synthetic alpha-tocopherol, a form of Vitamin E used as an antioxidant food additive. It protects fats and oils from oxidative spoilage and rancidity.

What is E307?

E307 is the European food additive designation for synthetic alpha-tocopherol, an artificially produced form of Vitamin E. It is primarily used in the food industry as an antioxidant to protect fats, oils, and fat-containing products from oxidative deterioration. In addition to its role as a food additive, E307 is also found in dietary supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical preparations.

Origin and Production

Unlike natural Vitamin E (e.g., E306, mixed tocopherols derived from plant sources), E307 is chemically synthesized from petrochemical precursors. It exists as all-rac-alpha-tocopherol (formerly known as dl-alpha-tocopherol), which is a mixture of eight stereoisomers. The biological activity of synthetic alpha-tocopherol is lower compared to naturally occurring RRR-alpha-tocopherol.

Mechanism of Action

Alpha-tocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant. It interrupts chain reactions triggered by free radicals in lipids by donating hydrogen atoms to peroxyl radicals, thereby inhibiting lipid peroxidation and extending the shelf life of fat-containing foods. In the human body, Vitamin E protects cell membranes, lipoproteins, and other fat-soluble structures from oxidative stress and damage.

Use in Food Products

E307 is typically added to the following products:

Edible oils and fats
Margarine and fat spreads
Baby food and infant formula
Dietary supplements
Snack foods, baked goods, and cereals
Cosmetic products (as a preservative and skin-conditioning agent)

Safety and Health Assessment

E307 is considered safe by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the WHO. The EFSA has established a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for adults of 300 mg per day. At normal dietary intake levels, no adverse effects are expected. However, at very high doses from supplements, some studies have noted an increased tendency to bleed and interactions with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin.

Labelling and Regulation

In the European Union, E307 is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. It appears on ingredient lists as E307 or alpha-tocopherol. The additive is subject to specified maximum permitted levels depending on the food category.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of tocopherol-rich extract (E 306), alpha-tocopherol (E 307), gamma-tocopherol (E 308) and delta-tocopherol (E 309) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2015.
World Health Organization (WHO) / Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): Compendium of Food Additive Specifications. Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives.

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