Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides
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Description
The food additive E960C, also known as enzymatically produced steviol glycosides, is a high-intensity sweetener authorized in the European Union. It belongs to the family of steviol glycosides, natural compounds extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant, native to Paraguay and Brazil. Unlike E960A (steviol glycosides of natural origin), E960C is obtained through an enzymatic process that modifies the structure of steviol glycosides to improve its flavor profile and solubility.
Industrially, purified steviol glycosides (obtained by aqueous extraction of stevia leaves) are subjected to an enzymatic reaction with glucosyltransferases, adding glucose units to the molecule. This produces a mixture of glucosylated steviol glycosides, with a taste more similar to sugar and less bitter aftertaste. The final product is a white or slightly yellowish powder, highly soluble in water, stable to heat and acidic pH, with a sweetening power 200 to 400 times that of sugar (sucrose). Its main function is to sweeten foods and beverages without adding significant calories, making it useful for diabetics and people looking to reduce sugar consumption.
The history of its approval in the EU begins with the authorization of steviol glycosides (E960) in 2011, initially only for E960A. In 2017, the European Commission authorized E960C after a positive evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). EFSA established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 4 mg/kg body weight per day, expressed in steviol equivalents, the same as for E960A. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also evaluated steviol glycosides and supports this ADI.
Regarding food safety, E960C is considered safe for the general population, including children and pregnant women, within the established limits. No genotoxic or carcinogenic effects have been observed in studies. On labeling, it must appear as "sweetener: enzymatically produced steviol glycosides" or "E960C".
It is important to note that, although its origin is natural, the enzymatic process classifies it as a modified food additive.
E960C is mainly used as a tabletop sweetener and in a wide variety of foods and beverages to reduce caloric content. According to EC Regulation 1333/2008, it is authorized in categories such as: non-alcoholic beverages (soft drinks, juices, flavored waters), dairy products (yogurts, dairy desserts), ice cream, confectionery (chewing gum, sugar-free candies), breakfast cereals, jams, fruit preserves, sauces, and bakery products.
In the Spanish market, it is found in brands such as Coca-Cola Zero (sweetened with stevia), Danone yogurts (reduced sugar edition), Orbit sugar-free gum, and tabletop sweeteners like Mercadona Stevia or Natreen. Maximum usage limits vary by category; for example, in non-alcoholic beverages the limit is 80 mg/L (expressed in steviol equivalents), while in tabletop sweeteners quantum satis (sufficient quantity) is allowed.
Comparatively, the US FDA has approved purified steviol glycosides (including enzymatic versions) as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) since 2008, with similar uses. In Japan, stevia has been used since the 1970s as a natural sweetener, and enzymatically produced steviol glycosides are also permitted. The ADI of 4 mg/kg/day is the same in the EU and WHO, while the FDA does not set a numerical ADI but considers consumption safe within usual use practices.
Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides (E960C) have been evaluated by EFSA and WHO, concluding that they do not present significant adverse effects in humans within the established ADI (4 mg/kg/day in steviol equivalents). Toxicological studies have shown no genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, or reproductive toxicity.
In humans, some studies have reported mild effects such as hypotension in people with low blood pressure, as steviol glycosides may have a mild vasodilatory effect, but this is not considered clinically relevant at normal consumption levels. A possible interference with the absorption of certain medications, such as antihypertensives or antidiabetics, has also been described, although there is no conclusive evidence. Sensitive populations: people with phenylketonuria (PKU) need not worry, as E960C does not contain phenylalanine. Diabetics can consume it without issue, as it does not affect blood glucose levels. Regarding drug interactions, no significant interactions have been documented.
EFSA, in its 2017 opinion, concluded that E960C is safe for the general population, including children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women, as long as the ADI is not exceeded. WHO supports this conclusion. No serious side effects have been reported in human studies.
In summary, E960C is considered a safe sweetener with a favorable toxicological profile.
- Glucosylated steviol glycosides
- Enzymatically modified steviol glycosides
- Glucosyl steviol glycosides
- Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides
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