International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 307b
Mixed tocopherol concentrate, also known as Vitamin E concentrate (INS 307b), is a common food excipient used for its antioxidant properties. Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics:
- Composition: It's a mixture of various tocopherols, which are the four main forms of Vitamin E: alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol. Each form has slightly different properties but contributes to the overall antioxidant activity.
- Function: As an antioxidant, mixed tocopherol concentrate helps prevent the spoilage of fats and oils in food by delaying oxidation. Oxidation can lead to off-flavors, discoloration, and decreased nutritional value.
- Natural Source: Mixed tocopherols are typically derived from vegetable oils like soybean oil, sunflower oil, or palm oil.
- Applications: Mixed tocopherol concentrate finds use in a variety of food products where fat preservation is important:
- Fats and oils: Added to vegetable oils, salad dressings, and mayonnaise to extend shelf life and maintain quality.
- Baked goods: Used in some baked goods containing nuts or seeds that have high fat content, to prevent rancidity.
- Snacks: May be added to snack foods with fats and oils susceptible to oxidation.
- Safety: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for its intended uses in food when used according to good manufacturing practices and within limitations.
- Comparison to Alpha-Tocopherol: Sometimes, alpha-tocopherol (the most biologically active form of Vitamin E) is used as a single form for food fortification. However, mixed tocopherol concentrate offers a broader spectrum of antioxidant activity due to the presence of multiple tocopherol forms.