| Essence |
Erythorbic Acid or E315 is a stereoisomer of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) that is used in various foods as an antioxidant and typically presents itself as a white, odorless, crystalline powder. It is often used as the cheaper and more stable alternative to ascorbic acid. |
| Names |
Isoascorbic Acid, D-Araboascorbic Acid, Threo-Ascorbic Acid, Erythorbic Acid Anhydride, Erythroascorbic Acid, Erythorbic Acid Lactone, Saccharosonic Acid, E315, Erythorbic Acid, and others. |
| Sourcing |
Glucose is one of the options for the starting ingredient. |
| Manufacturing |
There are a couple of ways how to create this additive. If we’re starting with Glucose as the sourcing ingredient, it is done through fermentation. Namely, fermentation allows Glucose to be converted into Sorbitol and then to L-Sorbose. Then, a series of reactions are required to convert L-Sorbose to 2,3-diketo-L-gulonic acid, the precursor of Erythorbic Acid. More concretely, the substance undergoes oxidation (typically with the help of Potassium Permanganate), then decarboxylation (typically with the help of Sulfuric Acid), then reduction, oxidation, and isomerization (typically with the help of sodium borohydride, hydrogen peroxide, and copper). After all that, the resulting ingredient with the help of chemical rearrangement (typically by hydrochloric acid or acetic anhydride). The final product is then purified. |
| Application |
Antioxidant (synthetic, water-soluble) and preservative. |
| Acceptable Daily Intake |
Up to 3 milligrams on every kilogram of body weight is believed to be safe. But that depends on the authority as others have not determined a level that’s harmful. |
| Side Effects |
It can cause headaches, fatigue, hemolysis, dizziness, and body flushing. Upset stomach, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues are possible. It can also mess with blood glucose tests (giving inaccurate results). It can also trigger kidney stones and gout symptoms in people with past diseases. |
| Benefits |
Some ridiculously minor benefits can be possible due to its vitamin C activity. That said, it offers only the activity of about 5% that Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C) does. |
| Studies |
75+ studies on Pubmed. Less than 5 studies on safety. |
| Allergens |
None. |
| Diet Restrictions |
None. |
| Health Knight Assessment |
Potentially Harmless. | Category 2 Additive. |
| Products |
Erythorbic Acid (E315) can be found in processed foods like sausages (all, types, shapes, and forms), hot dogs, pizzas, deli meats (like bacon, salami, ham, etc.), roasted meat, chocolates, breakfast cereals, soft drinks, meat spreads, chocolate bars, salads, sauces, beef stews, pies, cheesecakes, cakes in general, boiled nuts, fillings, mayonnaise, donuts, dressings, canned chili sauces, precooked microwavable dinners, canned vegetables, juices, and more. |
