antioxidant INS 307

Alpha-Tocopherol E307

vitamin — Primarily natural.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

(2R)-2,5,7,8-Tetramethyl-2-[(4R,8R)-4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl]-3,4-dihydrochromen-6-ol

CAS: 59-02-9

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 Alpha-Tocopherol?

Alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active form of vitamin E and is used as an antioxidant in oils, fats, and fat-containing foods. In food applications, it prevents oxidative rancidity in lipids and protects carotenoid and vitamin content. As a nutrient, the Institute of Medicine sets a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 15 mg/day for adults. JECFA considers synthetic alpha-tocopherol acceptable with an ADI of 0.15–2 mg/kg body weight. EFSA reviewed it in 2015. Both natural (d-alpha-tocopherol) and synthetic (dl-alpha-tocopherol) forms are used.

? Did You Know?

Alpha-Tocopherol occurs naturally in Olive oil and Sunflower oil. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Beyond food, Alpha-Tocopherol 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 E306, 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

The most biologically active form of Vitamin E. Main dietary source in European diet (from olive and sunflower oils). The natural form (d-alpha) is more bioavailable than synthetic (dl-alpha).

Olive oilSunflower oilWheat germAlmondsHazelnutsSunflower seedsSpinachBroccoliKiwi

Manufacturing

Method: extraction from vegetable oils or chemical synthesis

Natural d-alpha-tocopherol extracted from vegetable oil deodorizer distillate, particularly from sunflower and wheat germ oils. Synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol produced through chemical synthesis from petrochemical precursors.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Anti-aging creams, skin protection

Medical

Vitamin E supplements (most common form), antioxidant in drug formulations

Household

Vitamin E supplement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alpha-Tocopherol (E307)?

Alpha-Tocopherol (E307) is a antioxidant used in food products. It is vitamin and natural. The most biologically active form of Vitamin E. Main dietary source in European diet (from olive and sunflower oils). The natural form (d-alpha) is more bioavailable than synthetic (dl-alpha).

Where is Alpha-Tocopherol found naturally?

Alpha-Tocopherol is naturally found in Olive oil, Sunflower oil, Wheat germ, Almonds, Hazelnuts, Sunflower seeds, Spinach, Broccoli, Kiwi. The most biologically active form of Vitamin E. Main dietary source in European diet (from olive and sunflower oils). The natural form (d-alpha) is more bioavailable than synthetic (dl-alpha).

What is the ADI for Alpha-Tocopherol?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Alpha-Tocopherol 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 Alpha-Tocopherol?

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

Is Alpha-Tocopherol the same as Vitamin E?

Yes, Alpha-Tocopherol is also known as Vitamin E, α-Tocopherol, D-alpha-tocopherol (natural), DL-alpha-tocopherol (synthetic). These are different names for the same substance.