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Annatto extract (additive E160b) is a vegetable-derived food coloring that can vary in color from yellow to dark orange. Food supplement E160b is extracted from the seeds of Bix orella. These trees grow in tropical and subtropical forests. The source material for the dye is the red pericarp that surrounds the seeds of the tree. Ready food supplement can be obtained by crushing the seeds or boiling them in water or oil.
Annatto extract has a fairly pronounced orange color. The shade of the pigment depends on carotenoids (compounds of two substances: bixin and norbixin).
History of occurrence
The E160b additive first became known in South America, and then in other parts of Asia and Central America. The Aztecs used annatto extract for cosmetic purposes: they added it to paint and various body care products. Today, E160b is the most used in the food industry. This is especially true for Latin America and the Caribbean.
In the United States of America, this food supplement is considered to have a natural color. For this reason, the dye does not need mandatory certification.
Despite the fact that the food supplement E160b is a natural dye, there have been cases of allergic reactions after the use or use of the dye. But still, this substance is called a safe dye for those people who do not have hypersensitivity to individual components and products.
At the same time, the completely allergenic properties of the additive have not been studied. Research was carried out only once – in 1978. At that time, trials were conducted on patients who suffered from chronic urticaria and angioedema. The study studied the reaction of 61 people, of whom 26 percent had a reaction to E160b 4 hours after eating.
Compared to other natural and synthetic dyes, this result is not the best. Currently, scientists continue to investigate annatto and its effect on the allergic response. Many scientists are sure that this additive is the strongest allergen.
Annatto extract can be compared to vitamin E. It is also rich in antioxidants and tocotrienols.
Application and use of the additive
Annatto extracts are widely used in the non-industrial production of products and in fairly large industries. In this case, the dye is a natural alternative to synthetic additives.
Most often, the substance is used to give products the desired color (from yellow to orange).
But often it is also used for additional aroma and taste. It is known that the aroma is vaguely reminiscent of nutmeg, and the taste is nutty and sharp-sweet. For coloring, annatto extracts are added to various products: cheeses, margarine, butter, creams, cakes and other confectionery. In addition, the additive can often be found in snacks, dry breakfasts and smoked meats.
In addition to the food industry, the E160b additive is used:
- in medicine;
- in cosmetology.
For cosmetic purposes, the substance is added to give the necessary shades to body paints and lipsticks. In medicine, annatto-based creams help against sunburn and various insect bites.
The benefits and harms of supplements
Many scientists are confident that this dietary supplement has a huge benefit. Annatto has the ability to counteract the development of cancer and have an anti-angiogenetic effect.
This dye is included in the list of permitted dyes in many countries: Russia, Ukraine, European countries. Although the E160b additive is considered harmless to the human body, you should not forget about safety.
Health professionals do not recommend the use of the supplement to children, as an allergic reaction may occur. In addition, a large amount of this dye can cause a sharp jump in blood pressure. To date, scientists continue to study the effect of annatto extract on the human body.