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E959 – Neohesperidin Dihydrochalcone (NHDC)

Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, commonly known as NHDC and designated as E959, is an artificial sweetener and flavor enhancer derived from neohesperidin, a flavonoid found in bitter oranges (Citrus aurantium). Through hydrogenation, neohesperidin is transformed into NHDC, which is significantly sweeter than sucrose, with sweetness levels ranging from 400 to 1,800 times that of sugar, depending on concentration.

Danger Level: 1 – Mostly Safe

Purpose in Products

Sweetener: NHDC is utilized in minimal quantities to provide sweetness in sugar-free and low-calorie products, including beverages, desserts, and confectioneries. Its high potency allows for reduced caloric content in these products.
Flavor Enhancer: NHDC enhances sensory effects, known in the industry as ‘mouth feel,’ and is particularly noted for enhancing creaminess in dairy products such as yogurt and ice cream. It also masks bitterness, making it useful in pharmaceutical applications to improve the palatability of certain medications.

Health Considerations

Safety Evaluations: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated NHDC and established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0–5 mg/kg body weight, indicating its safety for consumption within these limits
Metabolism: NHDC is metabolized by intestinal microbiota into innocuous products, similar to other flavonoids, and does not raise concerns regarding genotoxicity.

Impact on Children

There is no specific evidence indicating that NHDC poses additional risks to children when consumed within the established ADI. However, as with all food additives, it is advisable to monitor intake, especially in children, to ensure consumption remains within recommended limits.

Impact on Taste

NHDC provides a sweet taste with a slower onset than sugar and a lingering effect, which can be advantageous in certain applications. It is effective in masking bitterness and enhancing flavors, contributing to an improved taste profile in various products.

Compatibility with Other Additives

NHDC exhibits a strong synergistic effect when used in conjunction with other artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, and cyclamate, as well as sugar alcohols like xylitol. This synergy allows for lower concentrations of sweeteners to achieve the desired sweetness, providing a cost benefit in product formulations.

Natural Occurrence

Neohesperidin, the precursor to NHDC, naturally occurs in bitter oranges. NHDC itself is not found in nature and is produced through the hydrogenation of neohesperidin.

Alternatives and Substitutes

Other artificial sweeteners and flavor enhancers used as alternatives to NHDC include:

Acesulfame Potassium (E950): Approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose, commonly used in beverages and tabletop sweeteners.
Aspartame (E951): About 200 times sweeter than sugar, often used in combination with other sweeteners.
Sucralose (E955): Approximately 600 times sweeter than sucrose, heat-stable, and suitable for a variety of applications.

Regulation

NHDC (E959) is approved for use as a sweetener and flavor enhancer in the European Union under Annex II of Regulation 1333/2008. It is also listed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers’ Association. In November 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a no-objection letter to the GRAS status of NHDC, allowing its use as a sweetener in various food categories at specified levels.

Conclusion

E959 (Neohesperidin Dihydrochalcone) serves as a potent artificial sweetener and flavor enhancer, offering significant sweetness and the ability to modify flavor profiles in various food and beverage products. When used within regulated limits, it is considered safe for consumption, with no significant health risks identified. Its stability under various conditions and synergistic effects with other sweeteners make it a versatile additive in the food industry. As always, adherence to regulatory guidelines ensures consumer safety.