Colours
Also known as: Colours, Food colorants, Food dyes, Pigment additives, Tartrazine (E102), Allura Red (E129), Anthocyanins, Carotenoids, Chlorophyll derivatives, Food Color Additives
Overview
Food color additives, commonly referred to as "Colours" in supplements, are substances used primarily to enhance the visual appeal of products. These can be broadly categorized into synthetic dyes and natural pigments. Synthetic dyes, such as Tartrazine (E102) and Allura Red (E129), are chemically stable but have been associated with potential adverse health effects. Natural pigments, derived from sources like fruits, berries, and vegetables, include compounds such as anthocyanins, carotenoids, and chlorophyll derivatives. Beyond their aesthetic function, some natural colorants, particularly those rich in phytochemicals, may offer additional health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While there is extensive research on the safety of synthetic food dyes, the study of health benefits from natural pigment-rich supplements is an emerging field. The quality of evidence varies, with high-quality systematic reviews available for synthetic dyes' safety, and growing, albeit limited, randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence for natural pigment blends.
Benefits
Natural pigment blends, such as those containing anthocyanins, quercetin, and catechins, show emerging potential for health benefits. A small randomized controlled trial (n=30) indicated that a proprietary natural pigment blend (DailyColors™) could reduce oxidative stress biomarkers and modulate DNA methylation related to aging. Specifically, statistically significant effects were observed on blood CD38 levels (p=0.019) and DNA methylation (q=0.021). These findings suggest potential in reducing oxidative stress and influencing epigenetic processes. Secondary effects, though preliminary, include support for mitochondrial function and reduction of inflammation. These benefits were observed in older adults with a BMI >25, with biomarker improvements noted after one week of supplementation. However, the observed effects were modest, and the study was short-term, necessitating confirmation in larger, longer trials. The strength of evidence for these benefits is currently limited but growing, primarily from small RCTs.
How it works
The mechanism of action for natural pigment blends primarily involves their antioxidant activity, which helps in reducing oxidative stress. These compounds may also modulate inflammatory pathways, potentially influencing immune signaling, such as through effects on CD38. Furthermore, some natural pigments have shown potential epigenetic effects by altering DNA methylation patterns. These interactions can influence various body systems, including mitochondrial function. The absorption and bioavailability of phytochemicals like anthocyanins and quercetin can vary depending on the food matrix and individual metabolism, affecting their systemic impact. Known molecular targets include oxidative stress markers (e.g., 4-HNE), inflammatory markers (e.g., CD38), and specific DNA methylation sites.
Side effects
The safety profile of food color additives varies significantly between synthetic dyes and natural pigments. Natural pigment supplements generally appear safe for short-term use. However, synthetic food dyes have documented risks. Common side effects associated with synthetic dyes include allergic reactions and behavioral effects, particularly in sensitive individuals. Uncommon side effects, especially in children, may involve neurocognitive effects. Rare but severe allergic reactions can also occur with synthetic dyes. Specific risk factors include known allergies to particular dyes and conditions like ADHD in children, who may be more sensitive to synthetic dyes. Drug interactions are not well-documented for natural pigments, but caution is advised with synthetic dyes in sensitive populations. Contraindications include known allergies to specific dyes. Children and individuals with allergies or neurobehavioral disorders are considered more vulnerable to the adverse effects of synthetic dyes.
Dosage
For natural pigment supplements, a minimum effective dose has not yet been definitively established. The DailyColors™ study, for instance, utilized a proprietary blend over a one-week period. Optimal dosage ranges for these blends are currently unknown and require further research. For synthetic dyes, regulatory bodies establish Acceptable Daily Intakes (ADIs) to ensure safety. Natural pigments are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) at levels typically found in the diet. Timing considerations for natural pigment supplements usually involve daily intake as per product instructions, with effects observed within one week to one month in preliminary studies. These natural pigment blends are commonly available in capsule or powder forms. Absorption of some phytochemicals can be enhanced by the food matrix or co-ingestion with fats. No specific cofactors are identified as required for their efficacy.
FAQs
Are natural color supplements beneficial beyond aesthetics?
Emerging evidence suggests that natural pigment blends may offer antioxidant and epigenetic benefits, potentially reducing oxidative stress and influencing DNA methylation. However, these findings are preliminary and require further confirmation through larger, longer-term studies.
Are synthetic food dyes safe?
Some synthetic food dyes have been linked to adverse health effects, including allergic reactions and neurobehavioral issues, particularly in sensitive individuals and children. Regulatory bodies set Acceptable Daily Intakes (ADIs) to manage exposure risks.
How soon do benefits appear from natural pigment supplements?
Preliminary research indicates that some biomarker changes, such as reductions in oxidative stress markers, can be observed after one week to one month of consistent natural pigment supplementation.
Can color additives cause allergies?
Yes, particularly synthetic food dyes are known to cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and individuals with known sensitivities should avoid them.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11352085/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial (Chong et al., 2024) investigated a natural pigment blend (DailyColors™) in 30 adults. It found that the blend reduced blood CD38 increases and showed trends in decreasing oxidative stress and altering DNA methylation, suggesting potential anti-aging and antioxidant effects. The study was well-designed but limited by its small sample size and short duration.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8834239/ – This systematic review (Silva et al., 2022) comprehensively assessed the safety and health effects of food dyes. It concluded that synthetic dyes are linked to allergic and neurobehavioral effects, particularly in children, while natural dyes are generally safer and may offer health benefits. The review provides a high-quality overview of the existing literature on food colorants.
- https://oehha.ca.gov/sites/default/files/media/downloads/risk-assessment/report/healthefftsassess041621.pdf – This systematic review and risk assessment by OEHHA (2021) analyzed multiple studies and population data to evaluate the health effects of synthetic food dyes. It found that exposure to synthetic dyes is linked to neurotoxicity pathways, with varying risks across different populations. This high-quality regulatory assessment highlights the potential neurobehavioral concerns associated with synthetic food colorants.
