E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer)
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
E101 (Riboflavin / Vitamin B2) is an authorized yellow food colorant and essential micronutrient produced via microbial fermentation of Ashbya gossypii. INS 101(i), ADI is 0.5 mg/kg bw/day, commonly used to fortify cereals and color sauces.
Lecithin (E322) is a complex mixture of zwitterionic polar phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol) derived from soybeans, sunflower seeds, or egg yolks, functioning as an amphiphilic oil-in-water surfactant and chocolate viscosity reducer.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
0.5 mg / kg body weight per day | Not Specified (Quantum Satis / GRAS under FDA 21 CFR 184.1400) |
|
E-Number Code
|
E101 | — |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 101(i) | — |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Nutrient Fortificant | — |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C17H20N4O6 | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Yellow chromophore acting as precursor to flavin coenzymes (FAD/FMN) | — |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Fortified breakfast cereals, baby foods, pasta, dairy desserts, energy drinks | — |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Microbial fermentation), Halal, Kosher | — |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.450) | — |
|
INS / E-Number
|
— | INS 322i (Lecithin) / INS 322ii (Partially Hydrolyzed) |
|
Primary Phospholipid Composition
|
— | 19–21% Phosphatidylcholine (PC), 8–20% PE, 10–15% PI |
|
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
|
— | HLB 4.0–6.0 (Standard unbleached) / HLB 8.0–10.0 (Enzymatically modified lyso-lecithin) |
|
Acetone-Insoluble Matter
|
— | ≥ 60.0% (standard benchmark of active phospholipid content) |
|
Major Sources
|
— | Soybean (Glycine max), Sunflower (Helianthus annuus - non-GMO / allergen-free), Rapeseed, Egg yolk |