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.
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.
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.
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) |