E307 · Alpha-tocopherol

EatMatrix verdict
Safe
Last reviewed:
EatMatrix research team
WHO
Safe
FDA
Safe
EFSA
Safe
FSANZ
Safe
Japan
Safe
UK FSA
Safe
Health Canada
Safe
HalalVeganKosherNut-freeDairy-freeVegetarianGluten-free

What is E307?

Alpha-tocopherol (E307) is the most biologically active form of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage. In food it is used to prevent fats and oils from going rancid and to preserve nutritional quality. It is also taken as a dietary supplement and used in cosmetics for its skin-conditioning and antioxidant properties; the synthetic form is chemically distinct from, but functionally similar to, the natural form found in plant oils.

Also appears on labels as: Alpha-tocopherol, α-tocopherol, D-alpha-tocopherol, Natural alpha-tocopherol, Synthetic alpha-tocopherol, Vitamin E, Food grade alpha-tocopherol, Alpha-tocopherol powder, Alpha-tocopherol oil, Additivo alimentare alpha-tocopherol, Additif alimentaire alpha-tocopherol, Lebensmittelzusatzstoff alpha-tocopherol.

What the evidence says

  • Generally recognized as safe at typical food and supplement levels.
  • Very high supplemental doses of vitamin E over long periods have been studied for potential interactions with blood-clotting medications; not a concern at food-additive levels.

Frequently asked questions

Is E307 safe?

Our overall verdict for E307 (Alpha-tocopherol) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.

Is E307 vegan, halal or gluten-free?

According to our ingredient data for Alpha-tocopherol — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.

What is E307 and why is it used?

Alpha-tocopherol (E307) is the most biologically active form of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage. In food it is used to prevent fats and oils from going rancid and to preserve nutritional quality. It is also taken as a dietary supplement and used in cosmetics for its skin-conditioning and antioxidant properties; the synthetic form is chemically distinct from, but functionally similar to, the natural form found in plant oils.

Does E307 contain allergens?

No known allergens are recorded for Alpha-tocopherol.

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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.