Ingredient · Additive
Lecithins
E-number E322
Also known as: E322, Lecithine
A natural fat found in eggs, soy and sunflower seeds, used to blend ingredients that don't normally mix.
Lecithin (E322) is an emulsifier and antioxidant extracted from soy, sunflower, egg yolk or rapeseed. It's a normal part of the human diet and cell membranes, and food-grade use causes no known harm at typical exposure levels. The main concerns are allergy (soy or egg source) rather than toxicity.
Why it matters
Lecithin is a fatty substance that helps water and oil mix together, like in chocolate, margarine, baked goods and chewing gum. Your own body makes lecithin-like molecules too, because they're a building block of every cell membrane. As a food additive it works as an emulsifier (keeps mixtures smooth) and antioxidant (slows fat from going rancid). Most people never need to think about it.
Sources (3)
- 1.EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, Annex II
- 2.US FDA GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Database - Lecithin
- 3.PubChem - Lecithin
