Annatto powder
Also known as: Annatto, Achiote, Bixa orellana
Overview
Annatto powder is derived from the seeds of *Bixa orellana*, a tropical shrub, and is widely recognized as a natural food colorant. Its primary bioactive compounds are the carotenoids bixin and norbixin, which are responsible for its characteristic color and potential health benefits. Traditionally, annatto has been used in various medicinal applications. As a dietary supplement, it is primarily valued for its antioxidant properties and is being investigated for potential cardiovascular benefits. While research on annatto is still emerging and somewhat limited, existing evidence includes in vitro studies, animal models, and a few small human trials. A systematic review from 2012 provides a summary of the available evidence but highlights the scarcity of high-quality clinical data.
Benefits
Annatto has demonstrated potential benefits, primarily due to its antioxidant properties. A short-term randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 16 healthy volunteers showed that bixin supplementation (0.05 mg/kg body weight daily for 7 days) decreased the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation ex vivo. This indicates a potential antioxidant effect, although no significant changes in biochemical parameters or other oxidative stress biomarkers were observed in this study. Regarding cardiovascular health, an 8-week RCT with 105 healthy adults consuming eggs enriched with annatto (1.2 mg bixin/kg body weight) found no adverse changes in cardiovascular risk markers, suggesting safety but not a clear benefit on lipids or glucose levels. Currently, there are no large-scale RCTs or meta-analyses that conclusively demonstrate significant clinical benefits such as lipid lowering or a reduction in disease risk. The evidence for its benefits is considered preliminary and requires further robust clinical investigation.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for annatto's potential health benefits lies in its carotenoid compounds, bixin and norbixin. These carotenoids function as antioxidants by effectively scavenging free radicals within the body. This antioxidant activity is particularly relevant in reducing the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), a critical step in the development of atherosclerosis. While bixin and norbixin are believed to modulate various oxidative stress pathways, the precise molecular targets and comprehensive biological pathways in humans are not yet fully understood and require further research. As fat-soluble compounds, the bioavailability and absorption of these carotenoids are significantly influenced by the presence of dietary fats.
Side effects
Annatto is generally considered safe when consumed at dietary levels. Clinical studies, such as an 8-week randomized controlled trial, reported no adverse effects or negative changes in cardiovascular markers in healthy adults consuming annatto-enriched products. Short-term supplementation studies have also not documented any significant side effects. While rare, allergic reactions to annatto, particularly when used as a food colorant, have been reported in some individuals, though these occurrences are uncommon. Currently, the reviewed literature does not indicate any major drug interactions or contraindications associated with annatto supplementation. However, as with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Dosage
Clinical studies have utilized varying dosages of annatto. One randomized controlled trial involved daily consumption of approximately 1.2 mg bixin per kilogram of body weight, which was delivered through annatto-enriched eggs. Another short-term supplementation study used a dose of 0.05 mg bixin per kilogram of body weight daily for 7 days. It is important to note that there is currently no established optimal or maximum safe dose for annatto from large-scale clinical trials. The dosages used in research studies generally fall within the limits considered safe for dietary additions. Due to the fat-soluble nature of its active carotenoids, consuming annatto with fat-containing meals may enhance its absorption and bioavailability. Further research is needed to determine precise dosage recommendations for specific health outcomes.
FAQs
Is annatto powder safe?
Yes, studies indicate annatto is safe at dietary supplementation levels, with no adverse cardiovascular effects observed in healthy adults in clinical trials.
Does annatto lower cholesterol?
Current human evidence does not conclusively demonstrate significant cholesterol-lowering effects from annatto supplementation.
How quickly do annatto's effects appear?
Antioxidant effects on LDL oxidation were observed after 7 days in one study, but clinical benefits require longer-term investigation.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9865189/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated the safety of annatto-enriched eggs in 105 healthy adults over 8 weeks. It concluded that consuming annatto-enriched eggs was safe and did not induce adverse changes in cardiovascular risk markers, though it also did not demonstrate significant clinical benefits.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2019/9407069 – This short-term randomized controlled crossover trial with 16 healthy volunteers examined bixin supplementation for 7 days. It found that bixin decreased LDL susceptibility to oxidation ex vivo, indicating antioxidant potential, but did not observe changes in biochemical parameters or oxidative stress biomarkers.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22432803/ – This systematic review from 2012 summarized the traditional uses of annatto and the limited clinical evidence available at the time. It highlighted the lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials and the need for more human data to establish definitive health benefits.
