Additives

Polysorbate 20 (E432): What It Is and Is It Safe?

Moderate Emulsifier · Emulsifier

Synthetic emulsifier. Some animal studies suggest polysorbates may disrupt gut microbiome balance and promote intestinal inflammation at high doses. EFSA raised concerns about high exposure levels.

Category: Emulsifier — Emulsifier
Typically used in: Ice cream, sauces, baked goods
Regulatory status: Approved EU/USA/UK. Gut microbiome research ongoing.
Concerns flagged: Gut-microbiome effectsInflammation link

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Sources

Where this comes from

EFSA (2015) — Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate -E 432-, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate -E 433-, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate -E 434-, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate -E 435- and polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate -E 436- as food additives http://dx.doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4152

E431 Limited risk Polyoxyethylene (40) Stearate View additive E433 Moderate Polysorbate 80 View additive E430 Limited risk Polyoxyethylene (8) Stearate View additive E434 Moderate Polysorbate 40 View additive E435 Moderate Polysorbate 60 View additive E436 Moderate Polysorbate 65 View additive

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Polysorbate 20 (E432): What It Is and Is It Safe?

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