Curcumin(E100)
Level 2 — Generally safeIn Winter's Dictionary
Curcumin is a colorant — Orange-yellow colorant from turmeric
What it does
Orange-yellow colorant from turmeric
Where you'll see it
Natural food coloring
What the research says
A skin irritant. JECFA concluded that reproductive toxicity studies and more solvent information needed.
Benefits
May reduce chance of developing heart failure per 2008 Toronto General Hospital research.
Regulatory status
- EU: approved
- Notes: FDA recommended ADI 0–0.5 mg/kg; JECFA concluded 1998 more data needed
Sources
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): Eating curcumin, a natural ingredient in the spice turmeric, may reduce the chance of developing heart failure