E-numbers are European Union food additive codes used to identify permitted additives in food and supplements across the UK and EU. They appear in supplements as colours, preservatives, emulsifiers and processing aids. Most E-numbers are halal — they are derived from mineral or plant sources. However, some have potential haram sources that require checking. This guide covers the E-numbers most commonly found in supplement labels and their halal status.
Why Do Supplements Contain E-Numbers?
Supplement manufacturers use additives for several purposes:
- Colours — to make tablets or capsules visually appealing and distinguishable
- Preservatives — to extend shelf life and prevent microbial growth
- Emulsifiers and stabilisers — to blend oil and water phases in liquid supplements
- Anti-caking agents — to prevent powder clumping in tablet manufacture
- Sweeteners and flavourings — to improve taste
- Coatings — for tablet film coatings and enteric coatings
E-Numbers to Watch on Supplement Labels
E120 — Carmine (Cochineal)
Source: Crushed Dactylopius coccus scale insects.
Halal status: Not permissible — derived from insects (other than locusts, which are explicitly permitted in Islamic law). Used as a red/pink colouring in some supplements, cosmetics and food.
What to look for on labels: E120, carmine, carminic acid, cochineal, natural red 4. Most common in pink, red or orange-coloured supplement tablets and gummies.
E441 — Gelatine
Source: Bovine or porcine skin, bones and connective tissue.
Halal status: Porcine gelatine is haram. Bovine gelatine requires halal-certified slaughter.
What to look for: Often appears as “gelatine” or “gelatin” in capsule shells and coating agents. The E441 code is less commonly used on labels; the ingredient name “gelatine” is more typical.
E471 — Mono and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids
Source: Can be derived from animal fats (including porcine) or vegetable oils.
Halal status: Depends entirely on source — vegetable-derived is halal; animal-derived (particularly porcine) is not. Source is rarely disclosed on supplement labels without specifically asking the manufacturer.
What to look for: E471, mono- and diglycerides. Commonly used as emulsifiers in supplement tablets, softgels and liquid supplements.
E472 series — Esters of Mono and Diglycerides
Source: Same source ambiguity as E471 — plant or animal.
Halal status: Source-dependent. Contact the manufacturer for clarification.
E904 — Shellac
Source: Secretion of Kerria lacca insects.
Halal status: Debated among scholars — produced by insects but not the insect itself. Used as a tablet coating (glazing agent). The majority UK scholarly position is doubtful (mushbooh); more cautious consumers avoid it. Common in tablet coatings — look for “shellac” or E904.
E542 — Bone Phosphate (Edible Bone Phosphate)
Source: Animal bones — potentially porcine.
Halal status: Source-dependent. Used in some tablet formulations as an anti-caking agent. Rarely listed as E542 — more often as “calcium phosphate” (which can be plant or animal-derived).
E-Numbers That Are Generally Halal in Supplements
| E-number | Name | Use | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| E101 | Riboflavin (B2) | Colour (yellow) | Halal — vitamin |
| E160 | Carotenoids (beta-carotene) | Colour (orange) | Halal — plant/synthetic |
| E170 | Calcium carbonate | Bulking agent | Halal — mineral |
| E296 | Malic acid | Acidity regulator | Halal — plant/synthetic |
| E330 | Citric acid | Preservative | Halal — fermentation/synthetic |
| E422 | Glycerol | Humectant | Usually halal — check for plant-derived |
| E460 | Cellulose (HPMC) | Capsule shell, binder | Halal — plant-derived |
| E500 | Sodium bicarbonate | Raising agent | Halal — mineral |
| E551 | Silicon dioxide | Anti-caking agent | Halal — mineral |
| E570 | Stearic acid | Lubricant/anti-caking | Check source — plant-derived is halal |
Practical Checklist for UK Muslims Checking Supplement Labels
- Check for E120 (carmine) — haram if present
- Check for “gelatine” or “gelatin” — haram unless specifically halal-certified bovine
- Check for E471/E472 and stearic acid/magnesium stearate — contact manufacturer to confirm plant source
- Check for E904 (shellac) — mushbooh; avoid if uncertain
- Look for a third-party halal certification logo — this is the most reliable indicator that all additives have been reviewed
Every BioBodyBoost supplement is halal certified by a recognised third-party certifying body — including all colouring agents, emulsifiers, anti-caking agents and processing aids throughout the supply chain. No E120, no porcine-derived additives, no shellac, no alcohol-based carriers. HPMC plant-derived capsules throughout. Full halal certification guide. Browse the complete range.
