Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver)
Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)
E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver)
E160a (Beta-Carotene) is a fat-soluble orange carotenoid tetraterpenoid obtained by synthesis, fermentation of Blakeslea trispora, or plant extraction. INS 160a(i)/(ii), ADI is Not Specified, providing deep orange-yellow hues in dairy, juices, and fats.
L-Ascorbic Acid (E300, C6H8O6) is a water-soluble antioxidant, dough conditioner, and vitamin fortifier that scavenges dissolved oxygen, prevents fruit enzymatic browning, and cross-links wheat gluten disulfide bridges in commercial baking.
Specification Comparison Table
13 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Specified (Quantum Satis from dietary/fermentation forms) | Not Specified (Quantum Satis / GRAS under FDA 21 CFR 182.3013) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C40H56 | C₆H₈O₆ (Molecular Weight: 176.12 g/mol) |
|
E-Number Code
|
E160a | — |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 160a(i) / 160a(ii) | — |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Provitamin A Fortificant | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
11 conjugated double-bond chromophore system absorbing blue-violet light; converts into 2 molecules of retinol (Vitamin A) | — |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Butter, margarine, processed cheeses, orange juices, baked pastries | — |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Plant/Fermentation), Halal, Kosher Certified | — |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.95) | — |
|
INS / E-Number
|
— | INS 300 / E300 |
|
Functional Classes
|
— | Antioxidant / Flour Treatment Agent / Sequestrant / Nutrient Supplement |
|
Solubility
|
— | 330 g/L in water at 20°C |
|
Redox Potential
|
— | +0.06 V at pH 7.0 (readily donates two electrons to dehydroascorbic acid) |
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