E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
E163 (Anthocyanins) are natural water-soluble flavonoid polyphenol pigments extracted from grape skins, elderberries, and black carrots. INS 163, ADI is 2.5 mg/kg bw/day (grape skin extract), exhibiting pH-dependent colors from red to blue.
E306 is a natural mixture of alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherols steam-distilled from vegetable oils (soybean, sunflower). INS 306, ADI is Not Limited, serving as the gold standard lipid-soluble antioxidant in fats and oils.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E163 | E306 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 163(i)–(v) | INS 306 |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Red, Purple, Blue) | Antioxidant (Lipid Peroxidation Inhibitor) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
2.5 mg / kg body weight per day (as anthocyanins) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Flavylium cation red at pH 1–3, converting to blue quinoidal base at neutral/alkaline pH | Free-radical scavenger donating phenolic hydrogen atoms to peroxyl radicals (ROO•), breaking lipid auto-oxidation chain |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Red fruit beverages, sports drinks, jams, jellies, wine gums | Vegetable cooking oils, margarines, infant formula, fish oil capsules, potato crisps |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Fruit/Vegetable extraction), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Plant oil distillate), Halal, Kosher Certified |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA 21 CFR 73.170 | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1890) |
|
Key Flavylium Cations
|
Cyanidin, Delphinidin, Malvidin, Peonidin, Petunidin | — |
|
Active Isomers
|
— | d-Gamma-Tocopherol, d-Delta-Tocopherol, d-Alpha-Tocopherol |