E160a Alpha -, beta -, gamma-carotenes

Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, gamma-carotene (Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, gamma-carotene, carotene, carotene, E160a).

Carotenes are a group of substances that belong to antioxidants and anticarcinogens and are part of the group of carotenoids. carotene is an orange pigment that is formed during the photosynthesis of plants.

General Characteristics of E160a Alpha -, beta -, gamma-carotenes

Food additives with the international classification code E160a, the so-called alpha -, beta – and gamma-carotenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons, sources of retinol. E160a are both natural and synthetic, which, it should be noted, their properties are not inferior to natural carotenes (calorizator). The name carotene comes from the Latin carota-carrot. Chemical (empirical) formula With₄₀H₅₆.

Sources of natural carotenes are: carrots, apricots, melons, persimmons, pumpkin, black currant, sweet potato, mango, red bell pepper, spinach, corn, parsley, peaches, gooseberries and palm oil.

E160a is a yellow-orange color dye that does not change its properties when heated and is resistant to sunlight. it is found in fruits and vegetables, is formed during photosynthesis, so it can not be produced by the human body and animals.

Benefits and harms of E160a Alpha -, beta -, gamma-carotenes

Carotenes are vital elements. Being an antioxidant by nature, E160a helps to slow down the processes of oxidation of the cells of the human body, cleanses from harmful toxins. The main positive effect of the use of products containing carotenes is the prevention of eye diseases, in particular, the reduction of visual acuity. E160a is indicated for persons with increased photosensitivity, as well as after exposure to radiation.

There is an opinion that an excessive amount of carotenes can provoke the formation of malignant tumors in people who are at risk of developing cancer, but this fact has no scientific confirmation.

Carotenemia or hypercarotinemia – an excess of carotene in the body (in contrast to an excess of vitamin A, carotene is low-toxic). Usually, carotenemia is not considered a dangerous condition, although it leads to yellowing of the skin (carotenoderma). It is often observed if there are a lot of carrots in the food, but it can also be a symptom of more dangerous conditions.

Application of E160a alpha -, beta -, gamma-carotenes

The main application of E160a – as a safe food dye – is the food industry. E160a is a part of juices, confectionery, condensed milk, fermented milk products, cheeses. Carotenes of synthetic origin are used in the production of mayonnaise, margarine and soft drinks. In addition to the food industry, E160a is used in agriculture, adding to mixed feed.

Use of E160a alpha -, beta -, gamma-carotenes

Throughout our country, the use of E160a alpha -, beta -, gamma-carotenes as a food additive is allowed according to the standards approvedthe law.