Here Is Your Answer. - Is DATEM Bad For You?

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Also Known As: diacetyl tartaric acid ester of mono- and diglycerides, E472e

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Grade

Short answer

Although the FDA has determined that DATEM is safe for consumption, studies from some sources are concluding that DATEM should be avoided. DATEM has been linked to heart fibrosis and adrenal overgrowth in lab animals. There may also be an increased risk of developing "leaky gut syndrome."

Grade

Letter Grade for DATEM

Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.

View Full Grading System

Category 'A'

A+

Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).

Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.

A-

Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.

It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.

Category 'B'

B+

Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.

Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.

B-

More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.

The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.

Category 'C'

C+

Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.

A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.

C-

More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.

Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.

Category 'D'

D+

Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.

Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.

D-

Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.

Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.

Category 'F'

Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.

Category 'N'

'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.

Long answer

DATEM is an acronym that stands for Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Monoglycerides. Some sources site that it is derived mainly from plant sources but some state that it comes from soybean oil or ethanol. It is a white powder that is an “ester” which by strict definition means “a compound made by replacing the hydrogen of an acid by an alkyl or other organic group. Many naturally occurring fats and essential oils are esters of fatty acids.”

DATEM can predominantly be found in processed bread products. DATEM is used as an emulsifier or dough conditioner, meaning that it helps to create the kind of texture consumers expect from their bread and helps the bread to have a more uniform shape. DATEM has the ability to bind with gluten to create a strong bond that gives elasticity to products and extends their shelf life. Gluten is the protein component of wheat, rye and barley and one of the most consumed ingredients in the world. DATEM is also found in coffee creamers, ice cream, salad dressings and many soups. DATEM is present predominately in gluten based products, therefore individuals that are gluten sensitive, gluten intolerant or have celiac disease need to avoid these products. DATEM itself is gluten free but checking the ingredient label is important to see if the overall product itself is gluten free.

One of the most concerning aspect of DATEM may be that finding specific information about the ingredient is very difficult. The exact process for creating DATEM is hazy and most people have never even heard of it; however, it can make up 0.375 to 0.5% of the weight of flour used in commercial baking.

The lack of information about DATEM (and the absence of studies concerning the safety of the ingredient) means that potential side effects are still unclear. One study, conducted in 2002, tested the possible toxicity of DATEM on rats. The study showed that “heart fibrosis and adrenal overgrowth” were found in the rats that were exposed to DATEM. There are also health care professionals that have voiced their opinion about DATEM being linked to increased intestinal permeability or “leaky gut syndrome.”

While the 2002 rat study is obviously concerning, the FDA has still deemed DATEM “generally recognized as safe” according to their standards. However, many companies that are focused on providing only safe and healthy foods to customers, like Whole Foods, have blocked products containing DATEM.

Interestingly, some individuals who have found that they have a reaction to certain processed foods, especially bread products, may be reacting to the chemicals found in those products rather than the gluten that many blame. For those who experience what they think may be a sensitivity to gluten (which can include symptoms like irritated skin, itching, nausea, abdominal pain, aches, fatigue, and headaches) may find it helpful to examine whether the chemicals (including those in DATEM) found in processed foods are to blame. It is common sense that if you want to live a very healthy clean life then sticking with non-processed organic products is the way to go. This includes regular ingestion of organic fruits and vegetables.

Possible long-term side effects

heart fibrosis and adrenal overgrowth (found in animal studies)

Commonly found in

crusty breads
biscuits
coffee whiteners
salsa con queso
ice cream
salad dressings
soups

Ingredients to be aware of

small amounts of glycerol
small amounts of fatty acids
may contain animal fats (not harmful, but a concern for those avoiding animal products)
soybean oil (gmo)

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Written by Dr. Becky Maes Published on: 03-06-2016 Last updated: 11-28-2023

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Written by Dr. Becky Maes Published on: 03-06-2016 Last updated: 11-28-2023