E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant)

Direct Answer

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.

Source: EFSA ANS Panel (2015) / Codex · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026

Specs

E-Number Code	E306
INS / Codex Number	INS 306
Functional Class	Antioxidant (Lipid Peroxidation Inhibitor)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
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)

Delta- & Gamma-Tocopherol Food Antioxidant Superiority

While alpha-tocopherol has highest biological vitamin activity in humans, gamma- and delta-tocopherols possess far greater chemical stability and antioxidant efficacy in preventing rancidity in bulk frying oils.