Gamma-Cyclodextrine
A very safe, modern flavor and vitamin carrier.
- Category
- Stabilisers
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
A larger cyclic ring of glucose molecules compared to alpha-cyclodextrine.
How it is used in food
With eight glucose units, gamma-cyclodextrin has the largest cavity and the highest water solubility of the cyclodextrins, so it carries bulkier guests — fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, carotenoids, omega-3 oils and coenzyme Q10 — and keeps them stable and dispersible in water-based foods.
Commonly found in- Food supplements
- Masking bitter tastes
Health and safety
Safe and easily digested by human pancreatic enzymes into glucose.
EFSA's opinion on gamma-cyclodextrin found no safety concern and set no numerical ADI, and it also holds GRAS status in the United States. Because it is metabolised to glucose, the main practical caveat is its (small) contribution of carbohydrate calories, not toxicity.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (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
- E458
Worth knowing
It is the one cyclodextrin that human digestive enzymes handle normally: salivary and pancreatic amylases open the ring and break it down to glucose, so nutritionally it counts as an ordinary digestible carbohydrate rather than a fibre.
Conclusion
A very safe, modern flavor and vitamin carrier.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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