Ascorbyl palmitate; Ascorbyl stearate
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Description
The food additive E304, known as ascorbyl palmitate and ascorbyl stearate, is a synthetic antioxidant used to prevent oxidation of fats and oils in foods. It consists of two main forms: ascorbyl palmitate (E304(i)) and ascorbyl stearate (E304(ii)). Its origin is semi-synthetic: it is obtained by esterification of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) with fatty acids such as palmitic or stearic acid, which are common in vegetable oils.
Industrially, the reaction is catalyzed with sulfuric acid and purified by crystallization. Physically, they are white or yellowish powders with a slight citrus odor, insoluble in water but soluble in fats and oils, making them ideal for fatty products. Their main function is antioxidant: they donate electrons to neutralize free radicals, thus protecting lipids from rancidity. Additionally, they can regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamin E.
Historically, they were approved in the European Union in 1995 after evaluations by EFSA and the Scientific Committee for Food. EFSA re-evaluated their safety in 2013 and 2018, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 1.25 mg/kg body weight for ascorbyl palmitate. WHO, through JECFA, also evaluated it and set an ADI of 1.25 mg/kg. It is considered safe at authorized use levels, with no evidence of significant adverse effects. On labels, it appears as E304 or with its full name.
It is important to note that although it derives from vitamin C, it does not provide significant nutritional benefits in the amounts used as an additive. In summary, E304 is an effective and safe antioxidant, widely used in the European food industry.
E304 is mainly used in fat-rich foods to prevent oxidation and rancidity. According to Regulation EC 1333/2008, it is authorized in a wide range of categories: fats and oils (except butter and milk fat), fine bakery products, breakfast cereals, soups and broths, sauces, processed meat products, processed nuts, and food supplements. Maximum limits vary: for example, in fats and oils it is 200 mg/kg (expressed as ascorbic acid), in fine bakery products 1000 mg/kg, and in food supplements 400 mg/kg.
In the Spanish market, it is found in potato chips, cookies, margarines, sausages such as frankfurters, and baking mixes. Comparatively, the FDA recognizes it as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) in the United States, without specific limits beyond good manufacturing practices. In Japan, it is also approved with similar restrictions.
Its use is especially valued in products requiring long shelf life, as it is thermostable and resistant to degradation during processing.
Toxicological studies conducted by EFSA and JECFA have not identified significant adverse effects in humans at authorized use levels. The ADI of 1.25 mg/kg body weight was established with a wide safety margin. In animal studies, very high doses (above 2500 mg/kg/day) caused effects such as diarrhea and renal calcification, but these levels are not achievable through diet. No genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, or reproductive toxicity has been demonstrated.
In humans, no specific allergic reactions to E304 have been documented, although individuals sensitive to ascorbic acid may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in excess. No known drug interactions exist. EFSA concludes that E304 is safe for the general population, including children and the elderly, at current use levels. However, some consumers concerned about synthetic additives may prefer natural alternatives such as rosemary extract (E392).
In summary, the safety profile of E304 is excellent, with no documented side effects under normal consumption conditions.
- Ascorbyl palmitate
- Ascorbyl stearate
- Palmitate ascorbyl
- Stearate ascorbyl
- L-Ascorbic acid, ester with palmitic acid
- L-Ascorbic acid, ester with stearic acid
Products in our Spanish database containing this additive
Examples found in ComerClaro Spanish product database
Product names and supermarket data may appear in Spanish.
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