# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist)

Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver)
E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist)

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.

View full E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) spec sheet →

E631 (Disodium 5'-Inosinate / IMP) is the sodium salt of inosinic acid, a purine nucleotide naturally found in aged beef, katsuobushi bonito flakes, and cured meats. INS 631, ADI is Not Specified, multiplying glutamate umami flavor.

View full E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

13 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Chemical Formula
C₆H₈O₆ (Molecular Weight: 176.12 g/mol) C10H11N4Na2O8P · xH2O
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Specified (Quantum Satis / GRAS under FDA 21 CFR 182.3013) Not Specified (Quantum Satis)
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)
E-Number Code
E631
INS / Codex Number
INS 631
Functional Class
Flavor Enhancer (Meat Purine Umami Synergist)
Primary Mechanism
Allosteric conformational stabilizer of human T1R1/T1R3 G-protein umami receptor heterodimer
Common Target Foods
Instant soups, meat seasonings, potato chips, canned meat gravies, cured snacks
Dietary Compliance
Vegan (Bacterial Corynebacterium fermentation standard), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 172.535)

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