Tocopherol-rich extract
Score impact
+0.70
points/product
Description
The food additive E306, also known as tocopherol-rich extract, is a natural mixture of tocopherols (mainly alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) obtained from vegetable oils such as soybean, sunflower, or corn. It belongs to the category of antioxidants and its main function is to prevent lipid oxidation in foods, avoiding rancidity and extending shelf life.
Industrially, it is obtained by molecular distillation or solvent extraction from deodorization distillates of vegetable oils, followed by a concentration process. Physically, it is an oily liquid from yellow to dark red, soluble in fats and oils, and insoluble in water.
Its use as an antioxidant dates back to the mid-20th century, and it was approved in the European Union as a safe additive. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated E306 several times, establishing an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.15-2 mg/kg body weight for alpha-tocopherol, while for other tocopherols no specific ADI has been set as they are considered safe at usual doses. The World Health Organization (WHO) also classifies it as safe.
In food labeling, it must appear as "Tocopherol-rich extract" or "E306". Although it is a natural antioxidant, its safety profile is excellent, with no significant adverse effects at permitted concentrations. It is important to note that E306 should not be confused with synthetic vitamin E (E307), although both share antioxidant properties.
In summary, E306 is a safe, effective, and widely used food additive in the European food industry.
E306 is mainly used in fat-rich foods to prevent oxidation. According to EC Regulation 1333/2008, it is authorized in a wide variety of categories: vegetable oils and fats (except virgin olive oil), margarines, mayonnaises, emulsified sauces, fine bakery products, processed nuts, snacks, breakfast cereals, processed meat products (such as sausages and pâtés), and infant formulas and foods for young children.
In the Spanish market, it is found in sunflower, corn, and soybean oils, as well as in margarines such as Flora or Tulipán, and in snacks like bagged potato chips. Authorized limits vary by product: for example, in vegetable oils up to 300 mg/kg (expressed as total tocopherols) is allowed, while in infant formulas the limit is 10 mg/L. Compared to the US FDA, E306 is considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) and its use is similar, although maximum doses may differ slightly. In Japan, it is also approved as a natural antioxidant.
The versatility of E306 makes it a popular choice for the food industry, especially in products where a clean label is sought, as it is a natural extract.
E306 (tocopherol-rich extract) is considered safe by major food safety agencies (EFSA, WHO, FDA) at authorized doses. No significant adverse effects in humans associated with its consumption as a food additive have been documented.
Tocopherols are forms of vitamin E, an essential nutrient with antioxidant functions in the body. Excessive intake of vitamin E (above 1000 mg/day) can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, or muscle weakness, but these doses are much higher than those obtained from foods containing E306.
EFSA has established an ADI of 0.15-2 mg/kg body weight for alpha-tocopherol, and for other tocopherols no ADI has been set as they are considered safe. No specific sensitive populations have been identified, although people with coagulation disorders or taking anticoagulants (such as warfarin) should consult their doctor, as very high doses of vitamin E may potentiate the anticoagulant effect. However, the amounts present in foods are safe.
In conclusion, E306 has no relevant side effects under normal conditions of use, and its toxicological profile is excellent.
- Mixed tocopherols
- Natural vitamin E
- Tocopherol extract
- Tocopherol mixture
- Concentrated tocopherols
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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