antioxidant INS 306

Tocopherols E306

vitamin — Primarily natural.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Tocopherols (mixture of alpha, beta, gamma, delta forms)

CAS: 1406-18-4

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

What Is Tocopherols?

Mixed tocopherols (E306) are a concentrate of naturally extracted tocopherols (primarily alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol forms) from vegetable oils, typically soybean oil. They function as natural antioxidants in oils, fats, margarines, and fat-based products. Tocopherols are collectively known as vitamin E — essential nutrients with antioxidant roles in human physiology. JECFA considers natural tocopherol extracts acceptable with no numerical ADI. EFSA confirmed safety of tocopherols in 2015. They are permitted in the EU and widely used as a natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants.

? Did You Know?

Tocopherols occurs naturally in Soybean oil and Sunflower oil. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Beyond food, Tocopherols is also used in cosmetics, medicine, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis (most categories) mg/kg

Evaluated together with E307, E308, E309

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe)

Approved as antioxidant and nutrient supplement

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Approved as existing food additive

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0.15–2 mg/kg bw/day

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not specified

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

Natural Occurrence

Vitamin E exists in eight forms: four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, delta) and four tocotrienols. E306 is a mixture rich in tocopherols extracted from natural sources, primarily vegetable oils.

Soybean oilSunflower oilCorn oilOlive oilRapeseed oilPalm oilWheat germNuts (almonds)Seeds (sunflower)Sea buckthorn berriesWhole grains

Manufacturing

Method: extraction from vegetable oils

Commonly extracted from the distillate obtained during deodorization of vegetable oils (especially soybean, canola, sunflower, corn, cottonseed). Soybean oil deodorized distillate is the primary source due to low cost. Can also be extracted using supercritical CO2 from wheat germ.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Anti-aging skincare, antioxidant

Medical

Vitamin E supplements, capsule stabilizer

Household

Vitamin E supplement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tocopherols (E306)?

Tocopherols (E306) is a antioxidant used in food products. It is vitamin and natural. Vitamin E exists in eight forms: four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, delta) and four tocotrienols. E306 is a mixture rich in tocopherols extracted from natural sources, primarily vegetable oils.

Where is Tocopherols found naturally?

Tocopherols is naturally found in Soybean oil, Sunflower oil, Corn oil, Olive oil, Rapeseed oil, Palm oil, Wheat germ, Nuts (almonds), Seeds (sunflower), Sea buckthorn berries, Whole grains. Vitamin E exists in eight forms: four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, delta) and four tocotrienols. E306 is a mixture rich in tocopherols extracted from natural sources, primarily vegetable oils.

What is the ADI for Tocopherols?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Tocopherols is 0.15–2 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Tocopherols?

Tocopherols is used in various food categories including Dairy-based desserts, Fat spreads. It is used as a antioxidant in these products.

Is Tocopherols the same as Natural Vitamin E?

Yes, Tocopherols is also known as Natural Vitamin E, Mixed tocopherols, Tocopherol-rich extract, Mixed tocopherol concentrate. These are different names for the same substance.