Comparing E160B - Annatto vs E161B - Lutein

Synonyms
E160b
Annatto
bixin
norbixin
roucou
achiote
annatto norbixin
annatto bixin
Orlean
Terre orellana
L. Orange
CI Natural Orange 4
E161b
Lutein
Xanthophyll
tagete extract
Functions
Origins
Products

Found in 11,746 products

Found in 241 products

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Awareness score

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over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 12 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions
  1. Is annatto bad for you?

    Annatto (E160b) is generally considered safe at typical food use levels, with regulatory bodies recognizing it and setting acceptable daily intakes for its pigments. A small number of people may have allergic reactions (e.g., hives or itching), so they should avoid it.

  2. What is annatto color?

    Annatto color is a natural yellow‑orange dye from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), mainly composed of the carotenoids bixin and norbixin. It’s commonly used to color foods like cheeses, butter, and snacks.

  3. What is annatto extract?

    Annatto extract is the standardized color additive obtained by extracting the pigments bixin (oil‑soluble) or norbixin (water‑soluble) from annatto seeds. These forms are used to impart yellow to orange hues in foods depending on whether the product is fat‑ or water‑based.

  4. Why is annatto bad for you?

    It isn’t generally bad for you; concerns mainly involve rare allergic reactions or intolerance in sensitive individuals. Authorities have set safety limits (ADIs) for its extracts, and typical dietary exposure is well below these levels.

  5. Que es achiote?

    El achiote (annatto, E160b) es un colorante natural obtenido de las semillas de Bixa orellana que aporta tonos amarillo‑naranja a los alimentos. Sus pigmentos principales son bixina (liposoluble) y norbixina (hidrosoluble), usados en productos como quesos y mantequilla.

  1. How much lutein per day?

    There’s no established daily requirement; supplements commonly provide around 10 mg/day, and EFSA has set an acceptable daily intake of 1 mg/kg body weight/day for lutein (from Tagetes erecta) used as a food color (E161b).

  2. What is lutein good for?

    As a food additive it provides yellow–orange color; in the body, lutein (with zeaxanthin) concentrates in the retina, helping support macular pigment and normal visual function.

  3. How much lutein and zeaxanthin should i take daily?

    There’s no official RDA; a commonly studied regimen is 10 mg lutein plus 2 mg zeaxanthin per day (e.g., in AREDS2 formulations), though needs can vary—ask your clinician for personalized advice.

  4. What does lutein do?

    In foods it acts as a yellow–orange colorant (E161b); biologically it’s an antioxidant carotenoid that helps filter blue light in the eye.

  5. What foods have lutein?

    Leafy greens (kale, spinach), broccoli, peas, corn, and egg yolks are rich sources; smaller amounts occur in pistachios, zucchini, and kiwifruit.