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E308AntioxidantLow concern
Gamma-Tocopherol
In plain words
The short version
γ-Tocopherol — the dominant tocopherol in soybean oil, with stronger lipid-peroxyl scavenging than α.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI not specified — considered safe. Endogenous metabolite; widely consumed at much higher levels through diet than as an additive. No documented adverse effects at typical intake.
The detail
Naturally present in soybean and corn oils — γ is actually the most abundant tocopherol in the typical American diet. Industrially obtained as a fraction of the mixed-tocopherol concentrate extracted from vegetable-oil deodorizer distillate, or by chemical synthesis.
Used as an antioxidant in vegetable oils, supplements, and infant formula. Lower vitamin-E biological activity than α-tocopherol (about 10%) but stronger reactive-nitrogen-species scavenging — relevant for some clinical-nutrition formulations.
Pale yellow viscous oil. Insoluble in water; soluble in oils and ethanol. Sensitive to light and oxygen.
Permitted globally without restrictive limits.
Sources
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011 — Union list of food additives, Part C Group I — Publications Office of the European Union, 2011. EU: gamma-tocopherol authorised (Group I, quantum satis)
- 21 CFR 182.3890 — Tocopherols (GRAS chemical preservatives) — U.S. eCFR (Office of the Federal Register), 2026. US: tocopherols GRAS under good manufacturing practice
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.