Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate
Also known as: E432, Polysorbate 20, Alkest TW 20, Tween 20, PEG(20)sorbitan monolaurate
Polysorbate 20 is FDA-approved for specific food uses. EFSA group ADI for polysorbates is 25 mg/kg bw/day.
What it is
Polysorbate 20 (Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate), a synthetic non-ionic surfactant emulsifier.
Emulsifier; stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions.
Why it's flagged
- potential gut microbiome disruption
- intestinal inflammation in animal models
What regulators actually say
"The Panel established a group ADI of 25 mg/kg bw per day for polysorbates (E 432-436), expressed as the sum."
"Dietary emulsifiers impact the mouse gut microbiota promoting colitis and metabolic syndrome."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Approved as polysorbate 20 with specific use levels (21 CFR 172.515 for some uses)
European Union — EFSA
Approved as E432; group ADI 25 mg/kg bw/day for polysorbates
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