Tocopherols (Vitamin E) (E306) — What You Need to Know
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 Tocopherols (Vitamin E)?
Tocopherols are a family of vitamin E compounds found naturally in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables. As food additives, they serve primarily as antioxidants to prevent rancidity in fats and oils. There are four forms of tocopherol: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. Alpha-tocopherol (E307) is the most biologically active form as vitamin E. When used in food, they provide the dual benefit of preservation and nutritional fortification.
What Is It Used For?
Prevents oxidation and rancidity in oils, fats, nuts, and foods with high fat content. Also used to fortify foods with vitamin E. Found naturally in many plant foods and added to processed foods to extend shelf life.
Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.
Regulatory & Editorial Context
Extremely safe as a food additive. High-dose supplemental vitamin E (above 400 IU/day) has been associated with slightly increased all-cause mortality in some meta-analyses, but this is only relevant to high-dose supplements, not food additive levels. No concerns at normal dietary or additive levels.
eNumbers.org currently assigns Tocopherols (Vitamin E) 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. The dataset's population estimate equals about 142.9% of the listed ADI.
This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.
Commonly Found In
Always check the label for E306 or 'Tocopherols (Vitamin E)'
▶Chemical Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Tocopherols (Vitamin E)
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E306
- INS Number
- 306
- Category
- Antioxidants
- Origin
- Natural
- FDA Status
- GRAS
- EFSA Status
- Authorized
- ADI
- 0.15-2 mg/kg bw/day (as alpha-tocopherol equivalent)
- Dataset Review
- 2015
Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.
Related Additives
Other antioxidants in the same family