E100 · Curcumin
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E100?
Curcumin is the natural yellow-orange pigment extracted from the root of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa). It is used as a food colorant in products like mustard, cheese, snacks, and baked goods, and is separately studied as a dietary supplement for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As a food colour it is considered safe by EFSA and the FDA at typical use levels. Its bioavailability when eaten is naturally low, which is why supplement forms are often combined with black pepper extract or fats to improve absorption.
Also appears on labels as: Curcumin, E100, E 100, E-100, Turmeric Yellow, Diferuloylmethane, Curcumin Extract, Curcuma longa extract, Curcumin Color, Natural Yellow 3, Curcumin Pigment, Curcumin Powder.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-colouring levels.
- High-dose supplement use may cause mild digestive upset in some people or interact with blood thinners; not a concern at food-additive levels.
Research behind the verdict
- Long-term Effects of Curcumin Supplementation on Liver Function and Drug Metabolism — Dr. Sarah Mitchell, Dr. James Chen, Dr. Maria Rodriguez, Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (2023). A 12-month clinical study examining the effects of daily curcumin supplementation (500mg) on liver enzyme levels and cytochrome P450 activity. Results showed significant alterations in drug metabolism pathways and elevated liver enzymes in 23% of participants, particularly those taking concurrent medications. The study suggests caution when using curcumin supplements long-term, especially in combination with other drugs.[safe_in_moderation]
- Safety Assessment of Curcumin (E100) as a Food Additive — European Food Safety Authority Scientific Panel, EFSA Journal (2023). Comprehensive safety evaluation of curcumin when used as a natural food coloring agent. The study examined toxicological profiles, daily intake limits, and potential health benefits. Research indicates curcumin demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties with minimal adverse effects when consumed within acceptable daily intake levels.[safe]
- Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract in Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis — , Frontiers in Immunology (2022). This 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated randomized controlled trials on curcumin (E100) and Curcuma longa extracts for arthritis. It found that curcumin supplementation did not increase adverse events and identified an acceptable daily intake of 0–3 mg/kg. Clinical trials showed that doses of 4–8 g/day were safe and well-tolerated, with tolerability reported up to 12 g/day and no sub-chronic toxicity or mutagenic effects.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E100 safe?
Our overall verdict for E100 (Curcumin) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E100 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Curcumin — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E100 and why is it used?
Curcumin is the natural yellow-orange pigment extracted from the root of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa). It is used as a food colorant in products like mustard, cheese, snacks, and baked goods, and is separately studied as a dietary supplement for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As a food colour it is considered safe by EFSA and the FDA at typical use levels. Its bioavailability when eaten is naturally low, which is why supplement forms are often combined with black pepper extract or fats to improve absorption.
Does E100 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Curcumin.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.