Indigotine (Indigocarmine, Indigotine, Indigo carmine, E132) is a blue dye made from coal tar. Chemical formula C16H8N2Na2O8S2. Easily soluble in water.
It is used for the manufacture of ink, food coloring, and also as a chemical indicator. For dyeing fabrics, indigocarmine is not used because of the insufficient resistance of the colors to the action of light.
It can be part of bottled soft drinks, sweets, dry cookies, confectionery, ice cream, pastries. It is used in the manufacture of some of the following products: hair rinse, dye in kidney function tests, tablets and capsules (as a dye).
Possible effects when used: asthma, allergic reactions, hyperactivity, heart problems; not recommended for children; may have a carcinogenic effect.