Annatto

Annatto - A Natural Supplement Ingredient

Annatto is a popular natural food colouring and ingredient used in many supplements. The reddish-orange hue comes from the seed coating of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), native to tropical regions of the Americas. Annatto has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples to colour and flavour foods as well as provide health benefits. Today, annatto remains a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cooking and its extracts are widely used commercially to colour cheeses, butter, cakes and more.

In supplements, annatto offers antioxidant benefits and has been linked to improved heart and eye health. Keep reading to learn all about the science-backed benefits of annatto and its safe use as an herbal supplement ingredient.

What Are The Health Benefits of Annatto?

Annatto gets its vibrant colour from carotenoids, the same family of antioxidants found in carrots and tomatoes. The main carotenoids in annatto are bixin and norbixin, both of which have been associated with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in multiple studies.

Specific benefits linked to annatto carotenoids include:

• Heart health - By protecting LDL cholesterol from oxidation, annatto carotenoids may support cardiovascular function and lower heart disease risk.
• Eye health - Lutein and zeaxanthin, related carotenoids in annatto, promote healthy vision and lower risks of age-related eye diseases.
• Liver protection - Animal studies show annatto extracts guard liver cells against toxic damage and may assist liver function.
• Skin health - Applied topically, annatto alleviates skin inflammation and irritation due to its antioxidant action.

While more research in humans is still needed, current evidence indicates annatto carotenoids boost antioxidant status similarly to other carotenoid-rich superfoods without any notable side effects.

Is Annatto Safe? Potential Side Effects

Annatto food colouring and its extracts have been safely used for centuries and are considered very safe. In the tiny amounts found in most supplements, annatto poses little-to-no risk of side effects in most people.

Those with allergies or sensitivities to annatto itself or the achiote tree may experience symptoms like hives, itching, swelling, breathing issues or upset stomach. Annatto allergy is considered very rare but use caution when trying annatto-containing products for the first time.

High intake of pure bixin or norbixin carotenoid supplements may temporarily cause a yellow-orange tint to the skin, urine or mucous membranes which is harmless. Other than this cosmetic effect, annatto carotenoids are considered nontoxic even at high doses in studies.

As with any ingredient, stick to annatto within recommended safe supplemental doses and consult your healthcare provider with any concerns.