antioxidant INS 308

Gamma-Tocopherol E308

vitamin — Primarily natural.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

7,8-Dimethyltocol

CAS: 7616-22-0

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 Gamma-Tocopherol?

Gamma-tocopherol is the predominant tocopherol form found in soybean and corn oils and functions as an antioxidant in food applications. While it has lower vitamin E activity than alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol demonstrates strong antioxidant capacity, particularly against reactive nitrogen species. As a food additive (E308), it is used in oils and fat-based products to prevent rancidity. JECFA considers synthetic tocopherols acceptable with an ADI of 0.15–2 mg/kg body weight. EFSA reviewed it as part of the tocopherols group in 2015.

? Did You Know?

Gamma-Tocopherol occurs naturally in Soybean oil and Corn oil. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Beyond food, Gamma-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, E307, 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

A form of vitamin E particularly abundant in American diet due to high consumption of soybean and corn oils. Has unique antioxidant properties complementary to alpha-tocopherol.

Soybean oilCorn oilWalnutsPecansSesame seedsPumpkin seeds

Manufacturing

Method: extraction from vegetable oils

Extracted primarily from soybean and corn oil deodorizer distillates. Gamma-tocopherol is the predominant tocopherol in these oil sources, making extraction economically efficient. Molecular formula: C28H48O2, Molecular weight: 416.7.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Antioxidant in skincare

Medical

Vitamin E supplements (often in mixed tocopherol formulations)

Household

Vitamin supplement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gamma-Tocopherol (E308)?

Gamma-Tocopherol (E308) is a antioxidant used in food products. It is vitamin and natural. A form of vitamin E particularly abundant in American diet due to high consumption of soybean and corn oils. Has unique antioxidant properties complementary to alpha-tocopherol.

Where is Gamma-Tocopherol found naturally?

Gamma-Tocopherol is naturally found in Soybean oil, Corn oil, Walnuts, Pecans, Sesame seeds, Pumpkin seeds. A form of vitamin E particularly abundant in American diet due to high consumption of soybean and corn oils. Has unique antioxidant properties complementary to alpha-tocopherol.

What is the ADI for Gamma-Tocopherol?

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

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

Is Gamma-Tocopherol the same as γ-Tocopherol?

Yes, Gamma-Tocopherol is also known as γ-Tocopherol, 7,8-Dimethyltocol, DL-γ-Tocopherol. These are different names for the same substance.