Tocopherols
What is Tocopherols?
Tocopherols are a group of organic compounds, many of which have vitamin E activity. They are naturally found in various vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. For use in food, tocopherols are typically extracted from plant sources like soybean or sunflower oil.
Is Tocopherols vegan?
Tocopherols is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Tocopherols a major allergen?
Tocopherols are often extracted from vegetable oils, such as soy or sunflower oil.
What is Tocopherols used for?
Manufacturers add tocopherols to foods primarily as antioxidants.
Is Tocopherols safe?
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use as antioxidants and nutrients in food.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add tocopherols to foods primarily as antioxidants. This helps to prevent fats and oils in products from spoiling or becoming rancid, which extends the product's shelf life. They are also used to add vitamin E to foods.
Health notes
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use as antioxidants and nutrients in food. Tocopherols are an essential nutrient (Vitamin E) and are generally safe at levels found in food. Both the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated tocopherols.
Allergen info
Tocopherols are often extracted from vegetable oils, such as soy or sunflower oil. While soy is a major allergen, highly refined oils and their derivatives, like tocopherols, typically do not contain allergenic proteins.
Foods that contain Tocopherols
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