What is E472e and How is it Used?
E472e, more commonly known as DATEM (Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides), is a synthetic food emulsifier. As an emulsifier, its primary function is to stabilize the mixture of water and fats in food products, which would otherwise separate. It is manufactured by reacting diacetyl tartaric anhydride with mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, which can be sourced from either plant or animal origins, such as palm, soy, or sunflower oil. In the food industry, DATEM is particularly valued for its role in bakery products.
Key applications of E472e include:
- Bread and Baked Goods: It strengthens the gluten network, leading to increased dough volume, improved elasticity, a softer texture, and a more uniform crumb structure.
- Processed Foods: It is also used in a variety of other products to enhance texture and stability, such as:
- Biscuits and crackers
- Coffee whiteners and non-dairy creams
- Ice cream and dressings
- Some instant soups and frozen pizzas
Regulatory Status and Official Safety Assessments
Major food safety organizations worldwide have assessed E472e and, based on the evidence available to them, consider it safe for consumption at approved levels. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes DATEM as generally recognized as safe (GRAS), while the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) have also approved its use.
During safety evaluations, regulatory bodies consider toxicological data, including animal studies. Historically, E472e has shown no acute toxicity in these assessments, and based on this, regulatory bodies have set an acceptable daily intake (ADI). This is the maximum amount of a substance that can be ingested daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.
Concerns and Emerging Research on E472e
Despite regulatory approval, a growing body of research, particularly concerning emulsifiers as a class, has raised questions about their potential long-term health impacts. While not all studies specifically focus on E472e, the findings add to the broader concern about processed food consumption.
- Cardiovascular Health: A 2023 BMJ study associated higher intakes of various emulsifiers, including E472e, with increased risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cerebrovascular diseases. The study highlights that high consumption of these processed food additives could be a contributing factor to health risks.
- Gut Microbiota Impact: Some animal studies suggest that certain emulsifiers, including DATEM, can alter the gut microbiome. Changes to the gut flora have been linked to increased gut inflammation, which can affect overall digestive health.
- Animal Studies: Older animal studies have reported findings such as heart muscle fibrosis and adrenal overgrowth in rats exposed to high levels of DATEM. It is important to note, however, that these studies often use far higher doses than what a human would consume in a standard diet, and results from animal studies do not always translate directly to human health.
E472e: Conflicting Perspectives
| Aspect | Regulatory Bodies (FDA, EFSA) | Emerging Research & Health Advocates |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Status | Approved for use at specific levels; deemed safe based on current toxicology data. | Concerns raised about long-term, high-level consumption and cumulative effects. |
| Research Focus | Traditional toxicology focusing on direct toxicity and determining ADI. | Broader impacts on gut microbiome, chronic inflammation, and links to diseases like CVD. |
| Basis for Assessment | Animal studies (often with high doses) and technical evaluations. | Epidemiological studies in humans, population health data, and mechanistic research. |
| Recommendation | Safe for consumption within regulated limits; no restrictions for the general population. | Advise limiting intake of processed foods containing emulsifiers, opting for whole foods when possible. |
How to Approach E472e in Your Diet
While E472e is not acutely toxic and is approved by regulatory agencies, the long-term effects of consuming multiple food additives from a highly processed diet are still being investigated. A balanced, cautious approach is advisable.
- Read Labels: Check ingredient lists for E472e or its common name, DATEM, especially on packaged breads, snacks, and processed foods.
- Choose Whole Foods: Prioritize a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, which naturally contain no synthetic emulsifiers. Examples include homemade bread, baked goods made with natural emulsifiers like egg yolk, or simply choosing a cleaner product with fewer ingredients.
- Support Your Gut Health: Consider incorporating prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods into your diet to promote a healthy gut microbiome, which may counteract potential negative effects from processed ingredients.
For more information on food additives and dietary choices, you can consult authoritative sources like the BBC Food guide on emulsifiers.
Conclusion
So, is E472e bad for you? The answer is not a simple yes or no. The current regulatory consensus, based on existing safety data, is that E472e is safe at the levels used in food. However, concerns from emerging research linking overall emulsifier consumption to potential health risks, particularly related to cardiovascular health and gut flora, suggest a cautious approach. For those aiming to follow a health-conscious nutrition diet, minimizing processed foods containing additives like E472e is a prudent strategy. This reduces your overall intake of synthetic ingredients and emphasizes a wholesome, nutrient-dense diet. Reading labels and being aware of the ingredients in your food empowers you to make the best choices for your health.
