Colour
Also known as: Food colourants, Food dyes, Natural colourants, Synthetic colourants, Tartrazine, Sunset yellow, β-carotene, Anthocyanins, Chlorophyll, Food Colour Additives
Overview
Food colour additives are substances incorporated into foods and supplements primarily to impart or restore color, enhancing visual appeal and product uniformity. These additives can be broadly categorized into synthetic dyes, such as tartrazine and sunset yellow, and naturally derived pigments, including carotenoids (e.g., β-carotene), chlorophyll, and anthocyanins. While synthetic colorants are generally more stable and cost-effective, they have been associated with various health concerns. Conversely, natural colorants, though often less stable, may offer additional health benefits, such as the antioxidant and photoprotective properties of carotenoids. The primary application of these additives is organoleptic enhancement, influencing consumer acceptance. However, certain natural colorants, particularly carotenoids, also exhibit functional benefits, such as protecting the skin from UV-induced damage. Research on food color additives is moderately mature, with extensive studies on safety and some functional benefits, especially for natural pigments. Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses provide a good quality of evidence regarding both the safety of synthetic dyes and the functional effects of natural colorants.
Benefits
Food colour additives primarily serve an organoleptic function, significantly improving the appearance of foods and supplements, which in turn influences consumer acceptance and product uniformity. Beyond aesthetics, natural colourants, particularly carotenoids like β-carotene, offer notable health benefits. Meta-analyses have consistently demonstrated the photoprotective effects of β-carotene, showing its efficacy in reducing UV-induced skin damage and erythema (skin redness). This benefit is particularly relevant for individuals with UV sensitivity, as supplementation can help mitigate the harmful effects of sun exposure. The clinical significance of this photoprotective effect is well-established, with studies indicating a statistically significant reduction in UVB-induced erythema. While synthetic colourants do not offer direct health benefits and have been linked to adverse effects, the health-promoting properties of natural pigments underscore their value beyond mere coloration. The time course for benefits, such as photoprotection, typically requires several weeks of consistent supplementation to achieve sufficient tissue levels for optimal effect.
How it works
The mechanism of action for food colour additives varies significantly between synthetic and natural types. Synthetic colourants primarily function as inert pigments, imparting color without inherent biological activity. However, in susceptible individuals, they may interact with immune or neurological pathways, leading to adverse effects. In contrast, natural colourants, especially carotenoids, exhibit biological activity. Carotenoids act as potent antioxidants, effectively quenching reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by UV radiation. By neutralizing these harmful free radicals, carotenoids protect skin cells from oxidative damage and inflammation. This antioxidant action helps to maintain cellular integrity and reduce the severity of UV-induced erythema. Carotenoids are fat-soluble and require dietary fat for optimal absorption, which is crucial for their bioavailability and subsequent interaction with the body's antioxidant defense systems, particularly in the skin.
Side effects
The safety profile of food colour additives varies considerably between synthetic and natural types. Synthetic colourants have been associated with several adverse effects, including allergic reactions such as skin rash and urticaria, which are common. Behavioral changes, particularly hyperactivity in children, have also been linked to the consumption of certain synthetic dyes. While rare, some synthetic dyes have raised suspicions of potential neurotoxicity or carcinogenicity, though conclusive evidence remains limited. Drug interactions with synthetic dyes are not well-documented, but some may interfere with drug metabolism or immune responses. Contraindications include known allergies to specific dyes. Special considerations apply to children, who may be more sensitive to synthetic dyes, and individuals with pre-existing allergies or sensitivities, who should exercise caution or avoid certain colourants. Natural colourants generally possess a more favorable safety profile, though long-term studies are still ongoing to fully ascertain their safety across all populations and dosages. Overall, regulatory bodies continuously monitor the safety of these additives and set acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels to minimize risks.
Dosage
Dosage recommendations for food colour additives are primarily relevant for functional natural pigments like β-carotene, as synthetic colourants are not consumed for their health benefits. For skin photoprotection, studies have shown effective doses of β-carotene ranging from 15 to 90 mg per day. Meta-analyses suggest an optimal dosage range of 30-90 mg/day for achieving significant photoprotective effects. There is no minimum effective dose for colourants used solely for appearance. Regulatory agencies establish acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) for synthetic dyes to ensure safety, and exceeding these limits may increase the risk of adverse effects. For photoprotection, supplementation with β-carotene should be maintained consistently for several weeks prior to anticipated UV exposure to allow for sufficient accumulation in tissues. As fat-soluble compounds, natural pigments like β-carotene should be consumed with dietary fat to enhance their absorption and bioavailability. Individual absorption can vary based on formulation, co-ingestion with fats, and metabolic factors.
FAQs
Are synthetic food colours safe?
Some synthetic dyes have been linked to allergic reactions and behavioral effects, particularly in children. Regulatory bodies monitor their safety and set limits to minimize risks.
Do natural colourants provide health benefits?
Yes, natural colourants, especially carotenoids like β-carotene, offer antioxidant and photoprotective effects, helping to protect the skin from UV damage.
How long does it take to see benefits from natural colourants?
For effects like skin photoprotection, consistent supplementation with natural colourants typically requires several weeks to accumulate sufficient levels in the body.
Can colour additives cause allergies?
Yes, certain synthetic dyes are known to cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, manifesting as skin rashes or hives.
Is there a difference between synthetic and natural colourants?
Synthetic colourants are more stable but may have more adverse effects, while natural colourants are less stable but can offer health benefits like antioxidant properties.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8834239/ – This narrative review discusses the health implications of synthetic food colorants, linking them to allergic, behavioral, and neurocognitive effects. It contrasts these findings with natural colorants, suggesting they are generally safer and may offer health-promoting properties. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the topic.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.1003765 – This systematic review and network meta-analysis primarily focuses on how color-coded labels influence consumer behavior. While not directly about the health effects of color additives, it highlights the significant impact of color in consumer perception and choice, which is indirectly relevant to the use of colorants in products.
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2024.0023 – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the photoprotective effects of β-carotene and polyphenols in human subjects. It concludes that both compounds show dose-dependent benefits in reducing UV-induced erythema, supporting the use of these natural colorants for skin protection. The study provides strong evidence for the functional benefits of certain natural pigments.
Supplements Containing Colour

Hemohills
Herbal Hills

Instant Whey Pro
Reflex Nutrition

Probio7 Original
Probio7

Digestive Health Supplement Ultra 100 Billion
Probio 7

Blood Pressure Formula
Bioglan

Protein Water Tropical Crush
Muscle Nation

Daily Greens Mixed Berry
Muscle Nation