Gamma-tocopherol
Overview
Gamma-tocopherol is the predominant form of vitamin E in the average diet, found in abundance in soybean, corn, and sesame oils. As a food additive it prevents oxidative rancidity in fats and oils, extending product shelf life. It is commonly used in combination with alpha-tocopherol (E307) or as part of a mixed tocopherol blend (E306).
JECFA's ADI is "not specified," evaluated in 1981 — the same assessment as all tocopherols. Gamma-tocopherol is a natural component of human diet and vitamin E metabolism. The body handles it through normal vitamin E pathways, though it is metabolised somewhat differently from alpha-tocopherol. No adverse effects have been identified at any food additive dose.
Gamma-tocopherol is approved in the EU, US (GRAS), UK, Australia, and globally. It is present in any product containing soybean or corn oil, even without explicit addition. As part of natural mixed tocopherol antioxidant systems it is among the most benign food antioxidants available — a form of vitamin E the body already metabolises and requires. There are no safety concerns for healthy adults at normal dietary exposures.
Generated from verified JECFA, EFSA, and regulatory data. All numerical values are sourced from the WHO/FAO JECFA Combined Compendium and EFSA OpenFoodTox 3.0.
Safety Assessment
| Body | Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) | Year |
|---|---|---|
| JECFA | Not specified — no concern at typical intakes · JECFA 1981 | 1981 |
| EFSA | — | — |
ADI = the amount of a substance a person can consume every day over a lifetime without appreciable health risk. Expressed as mg per kg body weight per day. Source: WHO/FAO JECFA Combined Compendium; EFSA OpenFoodTox 3.0.
Scientific Notes
Natural vitamin E isomer abundant in soybean and corn oils. Less potent than alpha-tocopherol (E307) but contributes meaningfully to vitamin E activity.