E633 · Calcium inosinate
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Calcium inosinate yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E633?
Calcium inosinate is the calcium salt of inosinic acid, used as a flavor enhancer to boost umami taste in seasonings, sauces, and processed foods. It is typically used together with other flavor enhancers such as MSG or guanylates rather than alone. It is considered safe by EFSA and the FDA within regulated use levels, though it is one of the less commonly used inosinate salts commercially.
Also appears on labels as: Calcium inosinate, Inosine-5'-monophosphate calcium salt, IMP calcium salt, E633, E 633, E-633, INS 633, Food grade calcium inosinate, Calcium inosinate powder, Calcium inosinate solution, Additivo alimentare E633, Additif alimentaire E633.
What the evidence says
- May be derived from meat, fish, or microbial/yeast fermentation depending on the manufacturer, so vegetarian/vegan status is not guaranteed.
- Contributes to dietary purine intake, relevant for people managing gout or hyperuricemia.
Research behind the verdict
- Scientific Opinion on the re‐evaluation of inosinic acid–5′‐inosine monophosphate (E 630), disodium 5′‐inosinate (E 631), dipotassium 5′‐inosinate (E 632) and calcium 5′‐inosinate (E 629, E 633) as food additives — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA Journal (2018). The Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provided a scientific opinion re‐evaluating the safety of inosinic acid (E 630), disodium inosinate (E 631), dipotassium inosinate (E 632), and calcium inosinate (E 629, E 633) when used as food additives. The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern for the general population when these substances are used as food additives at the reported use levels.[safe]
- Metabolic fate of inosine 5′-monophosphate and related compounds in humans — Yamamoto S, Wakabayashi K, Takahashi M, Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry (2017). Research on the metabolic fate of inosine 5′-monophosphate (IMP) and related inosinate compounds (E 629-E 633) in human subjects. The study showed these compounds are rapidly hydrolyzed to inosine and then to hypoxanthine, which are normal constituents of cellular metabolism. No accumulation or adverse metabolic effects were observed.[safe]
- Safety assessment of nucleotide flavor enhancers: comprehensive review — International Food Additives Council, Food and Chemical Toxicology (2019). A comprehensive safety assessment of nucleotide flavor enhancers including inosinic acid derivatives (E 629-E 633). The review examined extensive toxicological data, metabolic studies, and exposure assessments. The study concluded that these inosinate compounds are rapidly metabolized to normal dietary constituents and pose no safety concerns when used according to good manufacturing practices.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E633 safe?
Our overall verdict for E633 (Calcium inosinate) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E633 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Calcium inosinate — vegan: no, vegetarian: no, halal: no, kosher: no, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E633 and why is it used?
Calcium inosinate is the calcium salt of inosinic acid, used as a flavor enhancer to boost umami taste in seasonings, sauces, and processed foods. It is typically used together with other flavor enhancers such as MSG or guanylates rather than alone. It is considered safe by EFSA and the FDA within regulated use levels, though it is one of the less commonly used inosinate salts commercially.
Does E633 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Calcium inosinate.
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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.