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E306Fine

Tocopherols (vitamin E)

Group: Antioxidants · in the book

Harm level1 of 5No concern

In plain words

Tocopherols are natural vitamin E, often obtained from vegetable oils. They are added to stop fats from going rancid and losing flavour, and you meet them in oils, margarines, cereals and sausages.

Where you find it: oils, margarines, cereals, nut spreads

Our recommendation

No need to avoid them.

Possible risks and effects

  • No relevant risk known at normal intake.

For experts

A mixture of alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherols, usually from soybean or other vegetable oil distillates. It scavenges free radicals and slows lipid oxidation. EFSA's 2015 re-evaluation of E306–E309 concluded there is no safety concern at the reported uses.

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More from this group

This information is educational and based on EFSA assessments and available studies; it does not replace medical advice. With allergies, intolerances or illness, follow your doctor’s advice.