Beta-Cyclodextrin
The short version
A cyclic seven-glucose oligosaccharide — encapsulates fat-soluble flavors, colors, and vitamins.
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 5 mg/kg body weight per day, set by the EU Scientific Committee on Food in 1996 and kept by EFSA in its 2016 re-evaluation (JECFA: 0–5 mg/kg, 1995). Poorly absorbed; in the colon it is broken down to maltose and glucose by gut bacteria and the body's own amylase enzymes. EFSA saw no reason to change the ADI, but estimated that intake at the use levels reported by industry could exceed the ADI in most age groups.
Sources
- EFSA ANS Panel — Re-evaluation of β-cyclodextrin (E 459) as a food additive (2016), EFSA Journal 14(12):4628, doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4628 (PMC full text) — European Food Safety Authority, 2016. ADI 5 mg/kg bw/day (SCF 1996) kept; colonic hydrolysis; ADI exceeded in brand-loyal scenario
- WHO JECFA database — beta-Cyclodextrin (INS 459), 44th meeting (1995) — WHO / FAO JECFA, 1995. JECFA ADI 0–5 mg/kg bw
- FDA GRAS Notice Inventory — GRN 74, Beta-cyclodextrin (closed 2001) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2001. US status as a GRAS flavor carrier/protectant
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.