E123 - Amaranth

E123 - AMARANTO (CI 16185)

Amaranth is a synthetically obtained azo dye; its use is now limited only to caviar and its substitutes; it is in fact a molecule accused of being mutagenic and potentially carcinogenic: in fact, a link with tumors has been found in rats, but this relationship has not yet been demonstrated in humans. Despite this, many countries have both limited the use of amaranth (in some it is forbidden) pending further tests, which reduced the ADI DOSE to 0.5 mg per kg of body weight.

Risks: hyperactivity, asthma (because amaranth, being a histamine release, can intensify asthma symptoms), hives and insomnia.

Amaranth, if used in combination with benzoates, also causes hyperactivity in children.