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E1208 · Glazing agents

Polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer

Limited risk

A functional binder that keeps supplement tablets structurally intact.

Category
Glazing agents
Vegan
Yes
Vegetarian
Yes

What it is

Polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer is a synthetic binder used to hold supplement tablets together.

How it is used in food

Keeps a pressed tablet from crumbling in the bottle.

Commonly found in
  • Food supplement tablets
  • Supplement coatings

Health and safety

None known at the levels used; the polymer is not absorbed.

Molecules this large are not absorbed from the gut, which is why they carry very low toxicity and why EFSA generally sets no numerical ADI for them.

Regulatory status

RegionStatusNotes
Australia & New Zealand
FSANZ
Permitted Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code.
European Union
EFSA / European Commission
Permitted Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II).
United States
FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
Permitted Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives).

Identification on labels

E-number
E1208

Worth knowing

In the EU it is permitted only in food supplements, not in ordinary food.

Conclusion

A functional binder that keeps supplement tablets structurally intact.

References

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Entry last reviewed 2026-07-28.

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