Does E160a Have Any Side Effects?

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), E160a, which is a form of carotenes, is generally considered safe for consumption in the amounts typically used in food. However, the key to understanding potential issues lies in distinguishing between dietary intake and high-dose supplements.

Quick Summary

This article explores the side effects of E160a, or beta-carotene, a common food additive. It covers the risk of carotenemia from high intake and other reported effects, emphasizing the difference between food-level and supplemental consumption.

Key Points

Generally Safe in Food: When consumed as a food additive in normal quantities, E160a is not known to cause adverse side effects in most people.
High-Dose Supplement Consideration: High doses of isolated beta-carotene supplements may have potential effects that warrant caution.
Carotenemia is Harmless: Overconsumption of beta-carotene, often from supplements, can cause the skin to turn a yellow-orange color, but this condition is not dangerous and is reversible.
Source Matters for Allergies: Some E160a may be stabilized with animal-derived gelatin, making it unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Moderation is Key: While a necessary nutrient precursor, excessively high doses of beta-carotene from supplements can have negative health consequences.
Individual Health Factors : Individuals should consult a healthcare provider regarding high-dose supplements containing isolated beta-carotene.

What is E160a (Carotenes)?

E160a refers to the carotene group of food colorings, which are naturally occurring pigments found in many fruits and vegetables, like carrots and palm fruit. It is approved by regulatory bodies like the EU for use in food and drink products to impart a yellow-to-orange color. In the body, beta-carotene is converted into Vitamin A, making it a source of this essential nutrient. There are different forms of E160a, including a synthetic mix (E160a(i)) and beta-carotene derived from natural sources (E160a(ii)), and they are used to color products such as margarine, cheese, and beverages.

Are there any side effects of E160a?

For the majority of the population consuming E160a in the small quantities typically added to food, there are generally no known side effects. The primary concern arises from excessive intake, most often from high-dose dietary supplements rather than food. The most visible and harmless side effect of consuming too much beta-carotene is carotenemia, where the skin takes on a yellowish or orange tint, a condition that reverses once intake is reduced.

Potential effects associated with E160a

While consumption from food is considered safe, high doses of isolated beta-carotene, especially from supplements, have shown some effects.

Excess Vitamin A: Since the body converts beta-carotene to Vitamin A, very high intake could lead to Vitamin A toxicity, although this is more of a theoretical risk from extreme overconsumption. Excessive Vitamin A can be particularly harmful for fetal development, which is why pregnant women are advised to be cautious with supplementation.
Potential Additive Origins: Some sources raise concerns about the origin of E160a and the use of stabilizers in its production.

Comparison of E160a from Food vs. Supplements


Feature	E160a from Food	E160a from Supplements
Source	Natural fruits, vegetables, and small amounts added to processed foods.	Isolated, high-dose preparations of beta-carotene.
Dosage	Low, within recommended safe intake levels.	High, can significantly exceed daily dietary intake.
Risk of Carotenemia	Very low risk, only from extreme overconsumption of high-carotene foods.	Higher risk of causing yellowed skin.
Absorption	Regulated by the body, which limits the amount of beta-carotene converted to Vitamin A.	Unregulated, can lead to potential toxicity if not controlled.

Other potential concerns and considerations

While direct side effects are mostly tied to dosage and supplement use, there are other considerations for consumers. The origin of E160a can be either natural or synthetic. In some synthetic forms, stabilizers like gelatine (derived from animals) may be used, which is a concern for vegetarians and vegans. Some manufacturer safety data sheets also mention potential irritations with concentrated, undiluted forms of the substance, including skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. However, this is primarily a concern for those handling the raw chemical, not for consumers of finished food products.

Conclusion

In summary, for the general population, E160a (carotenes) when consumed as a food additive in regulated amounts poses little to no known risk. The primary reported side effect from excessive intake, carotenemia, is harmless and reversible. The most significant health concern is potentially linked to high-dose beta-carotene supplements, but this risk does not apply to the consumption of E160a in food. As with any additive or nutrient, moderation is key. Consumers can be confident in the safety of E160a in their food. For those considering high-dose beta-carotene supplements, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable.

What to know about E160a

E160a is a carotene food coloring, typically found in orange and yellow foods.
It can be sourced naturally or synthetically, though it's the synthetic, isolated form in high doses that is most often associated with potential effects.
Excessive consumption can cause carotenemia, a harmless yellowing of the skin that reverses once intake is reduced.
E160a from food intake is widely considered safe for the general population.
The use of gelatin as a stabilizer in some E160a formulations can make it unsuitable for vegans and some vegetarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, E160a is considered safe when consumed in the low concentrations found in colored foods. The primary potential risks are associated with high-dose supplements, not with the amounts used as a food additive.

Yes, excessive consumption of beta-carotene, including E160a, can lead to a harmless condition called carotenemia, where the skin develops a yellowish or orange tint. This is not dangerous and will fade once your intake is reduced.

E160a, or carotenes, can be sourced naturally from plants like carrots, palm oil, and algae, or it can be produced synthetically.

It depends. While carotenes themselves are plant-based, some E160a formulations use gelatin as a stabilizer, which is derived from animal products. Vegans and vegetarians should check the product's label or confirm with the manufacturer.

Yes, as a precursor to Vitamin A, beta-carotene is an important antioxidant that plays a role in supporting the immune system and promoting good vision and cell health.

E160a is used in a wide range of foods to achieve a yellow or orange color, including margarine, butter, cheese, juices, candy, cakes, and baked goods.

Regulatory bodies have deemed E160a safe for children, and EFSA has approved its use in specific foods for young children. However, excessively high doses causing carotenemia can be more noticeable in children.

E160a is the E-number designation for carotenes, which include beta-carotene. The term encompasses a mix of different carotenes, with beta-carotene being the most common.

Generally, no. E160a is considered safe for consumption at the levels used in food. Concerns are primarily related to very high doses from isolated supplements.