E307 / Antioxidants & acidity regulators
Alpha-tocopherol
Safety in brief
Safe
Recorded EatMatrix rating, not a new clinical review. The amount, your sensitivities and country rules still matter.
- Watch for
- No allergen or sensitivity is recorded for this ingredient here. Check the whole product label; this is not an allergen-free guarantee.
- Selected research
- Higher estimated intake of additive-origin alpha-tocopherol was associated with more new type 2 diabetes diagnoses. This substance is named in the abstract's list of associations retained after adjustment for multiple tests. An association does not prove that it caused diabetes. Study details and limits.
- Our advice
- This was an estimate of alpha-tocopherol added to foods, not a test of all vitamin E forms, supplements or naturally occurring vitamin E.
What it is
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.
Dietary information
- Vegan
- Yes
- Halal
- Yes
- Gluten-free
- Yes
- Allergens
- None recorded
Recorded ingredient information. Check the product label or certification: sources, other ingredients and cross-contact can vary.
Research & body effects
What selected 2026 human research means for E307
Type 2 diabetes: what was found
Higher estimated intake of additive-origin alpha-tocopherol was associated with more new type 2 diabetes diagnoses. This substance is named in the abstract's list of associations retained after adjustment for multiple tests. An association does not prove that it caused diabetes.
The French NutriNet-Santé analysis included 108,723 people and 1,131 new diagnoses, with a median follow-up of 8.05 years. Diets were recorded repeatedly, including food brands. Researchers estimated additive intake and adjusted for factors such as diet, body size and smoking. They did not randomly assign people to eat this additive.
EatMatrix’s reading
This was an estimate of alpha-tocopherol added to foods, not a test of all vitamin E forms, supplements or naturally occurring vitamin E.
These findings deserve follow-up. Estimated intake, other features of the foods people ate and differences between volunteers can still influence the results. Most participants were women; the results may not transfer directly to children or every country. A proposed mechanism from cells or animals is not a demonstrated mechanism in people eating ordinary food.
A useful next step when choosing food
Compare the whole food: its ingredients, fibre, salt, free sugars, saturated fat and how often you eat it. Choose a varied pattern with more minimally processed foods where practical. Removing one E number alone has not been shown by these studies to prevent diabetes or heart disease.
Selected abstract, main-text methods/results and funding checked . Funders include European and French public research bodies; the authors declare no competing interests. Supplementary tables could not be inspected here, so individual corrected estimates are not reproduced. Indexed records showed no linked correction or retraction in this check; that is not proof none exists. This is a selected editorial review, not a complete clinical or current-country-use assessment. It does not change EatMatrix’s recorded rating or country permissions.
Selected research on E307
How to read study types- Observational studyPreservatives and type 2 diabetes in 108,723 French participants
Higher additive-origin alpha-tocopherol intake was linked to new type 2 diabetes in a French cohort. It is one of 12 associations retained after multiple-test adjustment. Diet was observed, not assigned; this does not show causation.
Earlier source summaries checked ; latest additions checked . See the detailed research section for what was read and the remaining limits. This is a selection of sources, not a complete literature review. Authority assessments apply to the uses and places they cover.
Health notes from our ingredient record
- 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.
Other references from our ingredient record
These links come from the original ingredient record. They are separate from the source reviews above and have not all been checked for the exact ingredient, amount consumed or claim. Dates are shown newest first.
- Scientific Opinion on the re‐evaluation of tocopherol‐rich extract (E 306), α‐tocopherol (E 307), γ‐tocopherol (E 308) and δ‐tocopherol (E 309) as food additives — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2015). Official EFSA scientific opinion (bibliographic reference, imported 2026-10-13). It covers the additive as a group assessment and is not an individual human study; read the opinion for its findings.
Country rules
Country checks for E307
Permission depends on the market, type of food, amount and conditions. A scientific opinion or an E-number alone does not establish a legal use. These checks are separate from the stored EatMatrix rating.
Compare all eight markets and their sources
| Market | What is checked |
|---|---|
| European Union | Regulation (EC) 1333/2008, Annex II Part B, version , contains the exact code E307: Alpha-tocopherol. Listing alone does not allow every food use. Part E food categories, limits, specifications and applicable later acts still need a product-specific check. Source read: . |
| Great Britain | The FSA register record for E307 (Alpha-tocopherol) lists “Authorised” in England, Scotland and Wales. Register updated: 01 April 2025; record checked: . Food-specific conditions and specifications still need a separate legal check. |
| United States | Complete current-use review pending. Any scoped provision in the label guide above applies only to the stated use. FDA explains the applicable food-additive and GRAS framework. |
| Northern Ireland | Review pending. Check the applicable EU rules and territory arrangements; the GB register alone does not establish this status. FSA guidance is a starting source, not a verified permission for this entry. |
| Canada | Named Canadian use conditions located The Canadian row names alpha-tocopherol and mixed tocopherol concentrate together. It does not establish separate permissions for isolated gamma- or delta-tocopherol. EatMatrix reading: Match the named preparation, specifications, food, purpose and every limit below before using these rows for a product decision. Name and category review: . This describes the legal source check, not a finding that the ingredient is safe, unsafe or untested. Sources and names checkedNames checked: Alpha-tocopherol; Tocopherols (α-Tocopherol; Tocopherols Concentrate, mixed). All 15 Health Canada permitted-additive lists were checked by exact name, with the reviewed alternatives above. E-numbers alone are not Canadian ingredient names. The Justice Canada consolidation read was current to 21 September 2026. A complete product decision also requires its composition, specifications, intended food and use, quantities, applicable separate provisions and any later changes. Named food-use records located. Health Canada lists the preparations below for specified foods and purposes. This is conditional permission for those uses, not approval of every product or a personal safety verdict. The Canadian row names alpha-tocopherol and mixed tocopherol concentrate together. It does not establish separate permissions for isolated gamma- or delta-tocopherol. Source tables captured . List publication dates are shown separately. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is a condition of use, not an unlimited amount or a recommended intake. Food and Drug Regulations B.16.003 requires the listed source, purpose, amount and other conditions to match. The official consolidation read was current to 21 September 2026; product specifications and applicable later changes still need checking. Read 9 listed food-use conditionsTocopherols (α-Tocopherol; Tocopherols Concentrate, mixed)Health Canada: List of Permitted Preservatives. List published ; item T.3.
EatMatrix reading: match the exact preparation and food first. A manufacturing limit is not an acceptable daily intake (ADI). A label without the amount cannot establish exposure, and an unlisted name here does not establish a ban. |
| Australia | Review pending. Food Standards Code permissions and conditions need an additive-specific check. FSANZ food-additive rules is a starting source, not a verified permission for this entry. |
| New Zealand | Review pending. Food Standards Code permissions and conditions need an additive-specific check. FSANZ food-additive rules is a starting source, not a verified permission for this entry. |
| Japan | Review pending. The relevant list, identity and use standards need an additive-specific check. CAA food-additive lists is a starting source, not a verified permission for this entry. |
Sources & review status
Check what each source covers: an authority’s conclusion, a research finding and a country’s legal permission answer different questions.
What this guide covers
- Selected research
- 1 source summaries, with publication dates and study types. Several publications may describe the same study population.
- Official assessment sources
- Commission-listed EFSA references for E307. Bibliographic identity checked; latest findings and current use rules need separate review.
- Original ingredient record
- 1 research link; newest recorded date: . Sources added separately to this guide are not included in this count.
This guide brings together our ingredient record and the dated sources shown here. Missing information describes a gap in this guide; it does not mean an ingredient is untested, safe or harmful. This is not a complete review of every study, preparation or current country rule. The amount in a product and how it is used still matter.
How to read the ratings, research and country checksAgency labels recorded by EatMatrix
These are imported database classifications, not verified current statements from each authority. Use the dated official sources below for their actual scope and conclusions.
| Authority | Database label |
|---|---|
| FDA | Safe |
| WHO | Safe |
| EFSA | Safe |
| FSANZ | Safe |
| Japan | Safe |
| UK FSA | Safe |
| Health Canada | Safe |
Official assessment sources for E307
The European Commission’s re-evaluation table lists official EFSA documents for this additive. Their identifiers and subjects were checked against publisher bibliographic records. A missing research link in the EatMatrix database does not mean the additive has never been assessed.
Name in the Commission table: Alpha-tocopherol.
- Scientific Opinion on the re‐evaluation of tocopherol‐rich extract (E 306), α‐tocopherol (E 307), γ‐tocopherol (E 308) and δ‐tocopherol (E 309) as food additives
EFSA scientific opinion. Published: .
These are assessment references, including historical or group assessments. They do not establish the latest scientific conclusion, a human health benefit or risk, or current permission to use the additive in a particular food. Later assessments, corrections and food-use conditions need separate review. The recorded EatMatrix rating above is unchanged.
European Commission re-evaluation table, status as of . EatMatrix checked this bibliography on .
Database updated: . What does an E number mean on a food label?
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is EatMatrix's recorded rating for E307?
The recorded EatMatrix rating for E307 (Alpha-tocopherol) is “Safe”. It is calculated from labels stored in our ingredient database. These labels are not verified current regulator decisions or country permissions. A database update date is not a scientific review date.
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 shows information and classifications recorded in our ingredient database. Current scientific and market-specific verification remains pending as described above. It is general information, not medical advice.