Gamma-tocopherol

International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 308

Food additives Europe numbers: E308

Functional Category: synthetic

Gamma-tocopherol is a naturally occurring form of vitamin E, but its role as a food excipient is a bit complex. Here's a breakdown of its properties and its presence in food:

Function:

• Gamma-tocopherol, along with other forms like alpha-tocopherol, contributes to the overall vitamin E activity in food. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect fats and oils from spoilage caused by oxidation.

Natural Occurrence:

• Gamma-tocopherol is the most abundant form of vitamin E found in many vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

In Food Processing:

• While not directly added as an excipient itself, gamma-tocopherol can be present in foods due to the natural ingredients used. For example, vegetable oils naturally high in gamma-tocopherol might be used in food processing.

Comparison to Alpha-tocopherol:

• Alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active form of vitamin E for humans. It's the form that the body preferentially absorbs and utilizes.
• Gamma-tocopherol has lower vitamin E activity compared to alpha-tocopherol, meaning it's less efficiently used by the body.

Safety:

• Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for human consumption as part of a balanced diet.

Considerations for Food Fortification:

• When fortifying foods with vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol is usually the preferred form due to its higher biological activity.
• Gamma-tocopherol might be present along with alpha-tocopherol if natural vitamin E sources are used for fortification.