E123 - AMARANTH (C.I. 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 has been found with tumors in rats , but this relationship has not yet been proven in humans.Despite this, many countries have both limited the use of amaranth (in some it is prohibited) pending further tests, and reduced the ADI DOSE to 0.5 mg per kg of body weight.
Risks: hyperactivity, asthma (because amaranth, being a histamine liberator, can intensify asthma symptoms), hives and insomnia.
Amaranth, when used in combination with benzoates, also causes hyperactivity in children.
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