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AntioxidantINS 300
E300
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
What you need to know
Ascorbic acid is vitamin C. As an additive it stops food browning and keeps colour and flavour fresh.
It is one of the safest additives — it is also a nutrient the body needs every day.
There are no safe-limit concerns at the levels used in food.
Where it stands, by region
The same additive can be approved in one country and banned in another. This is the divergence that matters most.
| 🇦🇺AU / NZ | Approved Permitted (FSANZ Food Standards Code). |
| 🇪🇺EU | Approved Permitted (EFSA). |
| 🇺🇸US | Approved Permitted (FDA). |
| 🇨🇦CA | Approved Permitted (Health Canada). |
Health evidence
How settled the science is for each area — not how dangerous. “Unknown” means not enough good studies yet.
Hyperactivity & behaviour
Unknown
Allergy & intolerance
Unknown
Gut microbiome
Unknown
Metabolic effects
Unknown
Carcinogenicity
Unknown
Cardiovascular
Unknown
L-ascorbic acid. Nature-identical to dietary vitamin C. JECFA ADI 'not specified'.
Synthesis: Synthetic (nature-identical)ADI Not specified (acceptable)