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E384AntioxidantLow concern
Isopropyl Citrate Mixture
In plain words
The short version
A mixed-isopropyl citrate ester blend — sequestrant and antioxidant synergist for fats and oils.
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 of 0–14 mg/kg body weight. Hydrolyzed in digestion to isopropanol and citric acid — isopropanol is metabolized to acetone and CO2 at this scale.
The detail
Manufactured by partial esterification of citric acid with isopropanol — yields a controlled mixture of mono-, di-, and tri-isopropyl citrate. The mixture's oil solubility carries the citrate's metal-chelating action into lipid phases that EDTA (E385) cannot reach.
Used in edible oils, margarines, shortenings, and fat-containing supplements to sequester trace metals (iron, copper) that catalyze lipid oxidation. Works synergistically with tocopherols and other antioxidants by removing the metal catalysts that consume them.
Pale yellow to amber viscous liquid. Soluble in oils; insoluble in water.
Affirmed as GRAS in the US (21 CFR 184.1386) for margarine, nonalcoholic beverages and fats and oils, with no limit other than current good manufacturing practice. Not on the EU list of authorised food additives.
Sources
- WHO JECFA database — Isopropyl citrate mixture (INS 384), evaluation 1973 — World Health Organization / JECFA, 1973. safety: ADI 0–14 mg/kg bw
- US eCFR — 21 CFR 184.1386 Isopropyl citrate (GRAS) — U.S. Government Publishing Office / Office of the Federal Register (eCFR), 2026. regulation: GRAS in US for margarine, beverages, fats and oils
- EU — Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, consolidated version of 18 August 2026 (Annex II Part B list) — Publications Office of the European Union (EUR-Lex), 2026. regulation: E 384 not on the EU list
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.