Allervibe
E160a
Beta-carotene
An orange pigment from plants that the body converts into vitamin A.
i Additive Details
| Is E160a Beta-carotene safe?
Generally well-tolerated at typical dietary levels. Very high supplement doses have been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in heavy smokers in clinical trials (ATBC and CARET studies). Excess intake can temporarily tint the skin orange (carotenosis), a harmless condition.
| Uses
Adds orange or yellow color to margarine, butter, cheese, dairy drinks, cereal, juices, plant-based meat alternatives, and supplements. Also used as a source of vitamin A activity in fortified foods.
| Interactions
Acts as a provitamin A: the body converts it to retinol on demand. Fat-soluble, so absorption is improved when consumed with dietary fat.
| Origin
Naturally present in carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and many leafy greens. Commercial supply is either plant-extracted (often from Dunaliella salina algae) or produced by fermentation (Blakeslea trispora) or chemical synthesis.
| Daily Intake
No numerical ADI assigned by EFSA for use as a food color; the JECFA group ADI for synthetic carotenes is 5 mg per kg of body weight.
Information is sourced from public regulatory bodies (EFSA, FDA, WHO) and is for reference only. Always read the package and consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Related additives
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- E150d Sulphite ammonia caramel A 'Class IV' caramel color produced with sulphite and ammonia compounds.
- E171 Titanium dioxide A white mineral pigment used as a colorant and opacifier.
- E104 Quinoline yellow A synthetic greenish-yellow dye of the quinophthalone class, used to colour food, drink and medicines.
- E110 Sunset yellow FCF A synthetic orange-yellow azo dye, known in the United States as FD&C Yellow No. 6.
- E122 Azorubine (carmoisine) A synthetic bluish-red azo dye, also sold under the name carmoisine.
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