Other names for the additive (synonyms)
General Information
The food additive E304(i) is known as ascorbyl palmitate and belongs to the broader group of additives E304 (fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid).
It is used in the food industry as an antioxidant to protect fats and oils from oxidation. The main function of additive E304(i) is to slow down oxidative spoilage processes, which makes it possible to significantly extend the shelf life of products and preserve their organoleptic properties (taste, aroma, color), as well as their nutritional value.
The food additive E304(i) is classified as a synthetic substance, since it does not occur in nature in a ready-made form. At the same time, ascorbyl palmitate is an ester obtained through industrial chemical synthesis using components of natural origin — ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and palmitic acid, which is found in plant and animal fats.
Ascorbyl palmitate was developed in the mid-20th century in response to the food industry's demand for a fat-soluble analogue of vitamin C.
Ascorbyl palmitate has the chemical formula C₂₂H₃₈O₇ and is a powdery substance of white or slightly yellowish color. Additive E304(i) is well soluble in fats and almost insoluble in water, and is characterized by resistance to moderate heating. At the same time, ascorbyl palmitate is sensitive to light and oxygen during long-term storage.
For the food industry, additive E304(i) is obtained by chemical synthesis (esterification) of ascorbic and palmitic acids in the presence of catalysts.
Effects on the Body
Benefit of Additive E304(i)
Despite its synthetic origin, ascorbyl palmitate is considered a safe and biologically valuable additive, since during digestion it is rapidly and almost completely hydrolyzed (broken down) into natural components — vitamin C and palmitic acid.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), in its assessment, found no grounds for concern regarding the safety of using ascorbyl palmitate as a food additive within permitted levels.
According to data from the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), ascorbyl palmitate is recognized as a substance with an extremely low level of systemic exposure, which made it possible to withdraw the previous acceptable daily intake limits (0–1.25 mg/kg body weight) and assign an ADI status of “not specified”.
Due to its fat-soluble nature, additive E304(i) acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects cell membranes from free radical damage and helps strengthen the immune system.
The high safety profile and lack of toxicity have been confirmed by international experts, which allows the use of additive E304(i) even in infant food as a stable source of vitamin C.
A number of studies have shown that ascorbyl palmitate is able to penetrate lipid layers of tissues more effectively, helping the body in collagen synthesis and in maintaining vascular health.
Clinical observations indicate the ability of ascorbyl palmitate to significantly improve iron absorption from fortified foods, which may be important for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia in people with limited iron intake.
Risks of Additive E304(i)
Despite the general safety of ascorbyl palmitate, excessive intake may be associated with certain risks, such as digestive disorders (nausea, diarrhea) or isolated allergic reactions.
Due to the metabolic conversion of additive E304(i) into ascorbic acid, its excessive consumption, according to research data, may contribute to the accumulation of oxalates in urine, potentially increasing the risk of kidney stone formation.
Uses
Additive E304(i) is widely used as an antioxidant in the food industry to prevent fat oxidation and extend product shelf life.
Ascorbyl palmitate is added mainly to fat-containing products. These include vegetable oils, margarines, sauces, mayonnaise, and various dry mixes. In such products, it functions as an antioxidant and slows down fat oxidation processes.
The substance is also used in infant and dietary foods. Due to its good stability, it is suitable for products with increased safety and quality requirements.
In addition, ascorbyl palmitate is used in pharmaceutical products and dietary supplements. There it serves as a lipophilic form of vitamin C that is better preserved in fatty environments.
In cosmetic products, ascorbyl palmitate also acts as a stable fat-soluble form of vitamin C. It contributes to antioxidant protection of formulations and increases their resistance to oxidation during storage.
Legal Status
The food additive E304(i) is approved for use in most developed countries worldwide.
According to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, additive E304(i) is included in the list of permitted antioxidants and may be used in specified food categories in accordance with the “quantum satis” principle, meaning without establishing a maximum permitted level, provided that good manufacturing practice is observed and it is used only in the amount necessary to achieve the technological effect.
In Ukraine, additive E304(i) is included in the list of permitted food additives in accordance with national legislation harmonized with EU standards.
In the United States, the FDA recognizes ascorbyl palmitate as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for food use.