E959 (Neohesperidine DC) is a chemical compound obtained from Neosperidine, a flavonoid found in oranges.

It appears in the form of a white powder.

What it is used for and where

Food

Ingredient included in the list of European food additives as E959 as a sweetener and flavour enhancer. Its sweetening power is about 1,550 times that of sucrose (1) and it has few calories.

In the USA it is a GRAS so an additive that poses no problem to human health, but is authorised as a flavouring ingredient and not as a sweetener.

Safety

Ingredient deemed safe by the European Commission on Foodstuffs (SCF) in 1988.

Medical

Neohesperidine DC can be administered to people with diabetes and does not promote caries  (2).

• Molecular Formula   C₂₈H₃₆O₁₅
• Molecular Weight   612.6
• CAS  20702-77-6
• UNII    3X476D83QV
• EC Number    243-978-6

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Montijano, H., Cano, J., López-Cremades, F.J., Banón, J., Canales, I. and Borrego, F., 1999, April. An estimation of the detection and quantitation limits of neohesperidin DC by high performance liquid chromatography. In Low-calories sweeteners: present and future. IUFoST world conference on low-calorie sweeteners (pp. 125-128).

(2) Nishal, S., 2015. A review on artificial sweeteners. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 4(6), pp.776-792.

Steffensen, I.L., Alexander, J., Binderup, M.L., Dahl, K.H., Granum, B., Hetland, R.B., Husøy, T., Paulsen, J.E. and Thrane, V., 2015. Risk Assessments of Cyclamate, Saccharin, Neohesperidine DC, Steviol Glycosides and Neotamefrom Soft Drinks,“Saft” and Nectar.