E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
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.
Monosodium Glutamate (E621, MSG, C5H8NO4Na) is the sodium salt of L-glutamic acid produced via Corynebacterium glutamicum sugar fermentation, activating human T1R1/T1R3 heterodimer umami taste receptors to enhance savory mouthfeel.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Functional Class
|
Antioxidant (Lipid Peroxidation Inhibitor) | Flavor Enhancer (Umami savory tastant) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | 30 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA 2017) / Not Specified (JECFA 1987) |
|
E-Number Code
|
E306 | — |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 306 | — |
|
Active Isomers
|
d-Gamma-Tocopherol, d-Delta-Tocopherol, d-Alpha-Tocopherol | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Free-radical scavenger donating phenolic hydrogen atoms to peroxyl radicals (ROO•), breaking lipid auto-oxidation chain | — |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Vegetable cooking oils, margarines, infant formula, fish oil capsules, potato crisps | — |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Plant oil distillate), Halal, Kosher Certified | — |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1890) | — |
|
INS / E-Number
|
— | INS 621 / E621 |
|
Chemical Formula
|
— | C₅H₈NO₄Na · H₂O (Sodium 2-aminopentanedioate monohydrate) |
|
Taste Receptor Target
|
— | T1R1 + T1R3 G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) heterodimer + mGluR4 |
|
Sodium Content
|
— | 12.3% Sodium by weight (compared to 39.3% in standard table salt NaCl) |
|
Synergistic Umami Multiplication
|
— | 1:1 ratio with E627 (Disodium Guanylate) / E631 (Disodium Inosinate) increases umami perception up to 8-fold |