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Alpha-Tocopherol (synthetic) (E307) — What You Need to Know

Safe(9/10)Synthetic

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Alpha-Tocopherol (synthetic)?

Alpha-tocopherol is the synthetic form of vitamin E, the most biologically active of the tocopherol family. As a food additive, it protects fats and oils from oxidative rancidity. The synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol has about 50% of the biological activity of the natural d-alpha-tocopherol but is equally effective as an antioxidant in food preservation.

What Is It Used For?

Prevents oxidation and rancidity in vegetable oils, margarines, and fat-containing foods. Also used to fortify foods with vitamin E and as a synergist with other antioxidants.

Function: Antioxidant, vitamin E supplement

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.15–2 mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): GRAS
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): Authorized
⚠️ Key Concerns

Synthetic form of vitamin E. The most biologically active form of tocopherols. Used both as a food antioxidant and a vitamin supplement. The synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol has about 50% of the biological activity of the natural d-alpha-tocopherol. No safety concerns at food additive levels. High-dose vitamin E supplements (>400 IU/day) have been associated with increased all-cause mortality in some meta-analyses, but this is far above food additive levels.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Alpha-Tocopherol (synthetic) an editorial context label of Safe with a score of 9/10. This is 1.9 points above the database average for antioxidants (7.1/10). Dataset reference year: 2015.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

Vegetable oilsMargarineBreakfast cerealsBaby foodSalad dressings
Example brands:
MazolaGeneral MillsGerber

Always check the label for E307 or 'Alpha-Tocopherol (synthetic)'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: C29H50O2
Molecular Weight: 430.71 g/mol
CAS Number: 10191-41-0
INS Number: 307
Also known as: E307, INS 307, dl-Alpha-Tocopherol, Vitamin E (synthetic), DL-all-rac-alpha-Tocopherol

Frequently Asked Questions about Alpha-Tocopherol (synthetic)

Current dataset status: FDA — GRAS; EFSA/EU — Authorized. Reported concerns: Synthetic form of vitamin E. The most biologically active form of tocopherols. Used both as a food antioxidant and a vitamin supplement. The synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol has about 50% of the biological activity of the natural d-alpha-tocopherol. No safety concerns at food additive levels. High-dose vitamin E supplements (>400 IU/day) have been associated with increased all-cause mortality in some meta-analyses, but this is far above food additive levels. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E307
INS Number
307
Category
Antioxidants
Origin
Synthetic
FDA Status
GRAS
EFSA Status
Authorized
ADI
0.15–2 mg/kg bw/day
Dataset Review
2015
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

Quick Links

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

Related Additives

Other antioxidants in the same family

Tocopherols (Vitamin E) (E306)Ascorbyl Palmitate (E304)Ascorbic Acid (E300)Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) (E321)