Gamma-tocopherol
Learn what Gamma-tocopherol (E308) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Generally recognized as safeWhat is Gamma-tocopherol?
A food additive in the antioxidant category, naturally found in the seeds of oilseed plants, also known as vitamin E. It is extracted from vegetable oils rich in vitamin E but can also be synthetically produced.
Why is Gamma-tocopherol added to food?
Gamma-tocopherol (E308) is a antioxidant commonly found in: Infant products, products with oils and fats.
Permitted quantity: The acceptable daily intake for humans is up to 2 mg/kg body weight.
Is Gamma-tocopherol safe?
Generally recognized as safe
No side effects occur at the levels used in food.
Is Gamma-tocopherol banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Gamma-tocopherol okay for kids?
This additive is allowed in food for children within the limits set.
Common foods that contain Gamma-tocopherol
- Infant products
- products with oils and fats
How to spot Gamma-tocopherol on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E308
- Gamma-tocopherol
Common misspellings to watch for:
- qamma-tocopherol
- gammd-tocopherol
- gamma-tocodherol
- gamma-toeopherol
- gamma-tocopherol
- gdmma-tocopherol
Better alternatives
• Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort. • High doses may interfere with anticoagulant medications, increasing the risk of bleeding, especially in individuals on blood thinning treatments. • People with kidney or liver conditions should avoid excessive consumption, as it may affect the functioning of these organs. • Long-term use at high doses can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body, negatively affecting overall health. • It may cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes, itching, or difficulty breathing, in individuals sensitive to vitamin E.
Also known as
- qamma-tocopherol
- gammd-tocopherol
- gamma-tocodherol
- gamma-toeopherol
- gamma-tocopherol
- gdmma-tocopherol
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Gamma-tocopherol? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E308 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Gamma-tocopherol
- Is Gamma-tocopherol safe to eat?
- No side effects occur at the levels used in food.
- Is Gamma-tocopherol banned anywhere?
- Gamma-tocopherol is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Gamma-tocopherol safe for children?
- This additive is allowed in food for children within the limits set.
- How do I spot Gamma-tocopherol on a food label?
- Look for E308, Gamma-tocopherol in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: qamma-tocopherol, gammd-tocopherol, gamma-tocodherol.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.