Delta-tocopherol
Score impact
+0.60
points/product
Description
The food additive E309, known as Delta-tocopherol, is a form of vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant in foods. It belongs to the tocopherol family, fat-soluble compounds naturally present in vegetable oils such as soybean, sunflower, and corn. Industrially, it is obtained by molecular distillation of deodorized vegetable oils, followed by purification.
Delta-tocopherol is an oily liquid ranging from light yellow to brown, insoluble in water and soluble in fats and organic solvents. Its main function is to prevent lipid oxidation, protecting fat-rich foods from rancidity and loss of flavor, color, and nutritional value.
Historically, tocopherols were discovered in the 1920s and their use as food additives was approved in the European Union in the 1990s. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated Delta-tocopherol several times, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0.15-2 mg/kg body weight for the sum of tocopherols. The World Health Organization (WHO) also considers it safe at authorized doses. On labels, it appears as "Delta-tocopherol" or "E309".
The overall safety assessment is high, with no significant adverse effects in humans at usual consumption levels. It is important to note that E309 is a natural antioxidant, unlike some synthetic ones, and its use is regulated by EC Regulation 1333/2008. Food safety is guaranteed by EFSA evaluations, which periodically review toxicological data. Labeling must include the name or E number to inform consumers.
E309 is mainly used in fat-rich foods to prevent oxidation. According to EC Regulation 1333/2008, it is authorized in vegetable oils and fats (except virgin olive oil), margarines, mayonnaises, emulsified sauces, fine bakery products, breakfast cereals, processed nuts, potato chips and snacks, and food supplements.
In the Spanish market, it is found in sunflower oils, margarines such as Flora or Tulipán, mayonnaises like Hellmann's, and potato chips from brands such as Lays or Pringles. Authorized limits vary by category: in oils and fats, up to 500 mg/kg (expressed as total tocopherols); in margarines, up to 200 mg/kg; in snacks, up to 200 mg/kg.
Compared to the FDA, in the United States tocopherols are considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) and have no specific limits, while in Japan they are allowed in fats and oils up to 0.1% (1000 mg/kg). The EU is more restrictive in some categories.
Delta-tocopherol (E309) is generally recognized as safe at authorized doses. EFSA has established an ADI of 0.15-2 mg/kg body weight for the sum of tocopherols, based on chronic toxicity studies in animals that showed no significant adverse effects.
In humans, no adverse side effects have been documented at dietary consumption levels. Very high doses (vitamin E supplements above 1000 mg/day) may cause effects such as nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, or muscle weakness, but these levels are far higher than those obtained through the diet with E309.
No specific sensitive populations have been identified, although individuals with coagulation disorders or taking anticoagulants should consult a doctor before consuming high-dose vitamin E supplements. No drug interactions have been documented with food use. The WHO concludes that Delta-tocopherol is safe at the concentrations used in foods.
Therefore, no relevant side effects are considered for the average consumer.
- Delta-tocopherol
- Vitamin E (delta)
- D-δ-tocopherol
- 8-methyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-6-chromanol
- d-delta-tocopherol
- INS 309
- Tocopherol concentrate (delta fraction)
- Antioxidant delta-tocopherol
- Natural vitamin E (delta isomer)
- 8-methyltocol
- Food grade delta-tocopherol
- Tocopherol-rich extract
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