Canthaxanthin
Also known as: Natural Orange-Red Pigment
Colorants
Safety rating
Use Sparingly
Eat Away!Generally SafeUse SparinglyAvoid
Purpose and Function
Canthaxanthin is a natural orange-red xanthophyll carotenoid found in mushrooms, crustaceans, and fish, used to color poultry feed, farmed salmon and trout, confectionery, and beverages.
Commonly found in
- —Poultry feed (egg yolk/skin color)
- —Farmed salmon and trout
- —Candies and gummies
Key functions
- —Provides a natural orange-to-red color
- —Acts as an antioxidant
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- 01Overconsumption via high-dose supplements has been linked to canthaxanthin retinopathy, yellow deposits forming in the retina
- 02Excessive intake can cause carotenodermia, a harmless reversible orange skin tint
- 03Approved by the EFSA and FDA within set limits