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E640 Glycine – Food Additive Explained

E640 is the EU designation for the food additive glycine and its sodium salts, used as a flavour enhancer and mild sweetener in food products.

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Things worth knowing about "E640"

E640 is the EU designation for the food additive glycine and its sodium salts, used as a flavour enhancer and mild sweetener in food products.

What is E640?

E640 is the European Union approval number for the food additive glycine and its sodium salts (sodium glycinate). Glycine is the simplest naturally occurring amino acid and a key building block of many proteins in the human body. As a food additive, E640 is used by the food industry as a flavour enhancer and mild sweetener.

Chemical Properties

Glycine (chemical formula: C₂H₅NO₂) is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the human body can produce it on its own. It has a slightly sweet taste and is highly soluble in water. In its sodium salt form (sodium glycinate), it is equally applicable in food processing.

Uses in Food

E640 is used in a variety of food products, including:

Beverages and confectionery
Seasoning blends and flavouring sauces
Dietary supplements
Diet and calorie-reduced products
Flavour mixtures and processed foods

As a flavour enhancer, E640 can intensify the natural taste of food and reduce bitter or unpleasant flavour notes. It is also used as a mild sweetener that does not provide significant caloric content in the way sugar does.

Safety and Regulatory Approval

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has classified E640 as safe when used within the permitted quantities. Glycine is metabolised in the body as a standard amino acid and is considered harmless at typical dietary levels. Since glycine also functions as an endogenously produced neurotransmitter, excessive intake is generally not recommended, although amounts found in food products are considered unproblematic.

Biological Functions of Glycine in the Body

Glycine serves important roles in human metabolism:

Building block of collagen and other structural proteins
Involvement in the synthesis of glutathione (an important antioxidant)
Role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system
Participation in purine metabolism (nucleotide synthesis)
Support of liver detoxification processes

Possible Side Effects and Intolerances

E640 is generally considered well tolerated. At very high doses, far exceeding typical food consumption levels, it could theoretically influence the nervous system due to glycine's neurotransmitter function. Individuals with certain metabolic disorders (e.g., hyperglycinaemia) should consult a physician regarding their intake. Allergic reactions to glycine are very rare.

Labelling Requirements

Foods containing E640 must declare this additive on the ingredient list either as E640 or by its name glycine or sodium glycinate. There is currently no special warning labelling requirement associated with this additive.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of glycine (E 640) and its sodium salt as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2013.
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives.
Wu G. - Amino acids: metabolism, functions, and nutrition. Amino Acids, 37(1):1-17, 2009. PubMed PMID: 19301095.

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