The article describes the food additive (dye) indigo carmine (E132, indigotine), its use, effect on the body, harm and benefit, composition, consumer reviews
Other additive names: indigotine, indigo carmine, E132, E-132, E-132
Functions performed
dye
Legality of use
Ukraine EU Russia
Indigo carmine, E132 - what is it?
Indigo carmine, also known as indigotine or E132, is a food coloring with the chemical formula C 16 H 8 N 2 Na 2 O 8 S 2. Indigo carmine is a dark blue powder or granules with a copper luster. Indigotine is light sensitive and soluble in water.
Historically, indigo carmine was first produced from natural raw materials. The ancient Phoenicians were the first to extract indigo dye from the excrement of sea snails. Subsequently, methods were found to extract it from certain plants, most of which are shrubs of the Indigofera species. Indigo carmine, obtained from them, has been used for about 4,000 years. Indigo carmine is the same chemical that was used to dye jeans blue. But being a natural dye, it washed and faded quite quickly, much faster than synthetic dye.
When did people start synthesizing this popular blue dye? Until the mid-19th century, all dyes were produced only from natural raw materials. Indigotine was first produced commercially in 1897, and its production was improved in 1901. Since the beginning of the 20th century, indigo carmine began to be synthesized artificially, without the use of natural materials.
E132 is the first artificially created dye, the first stage of which involves the reaction of aniline and formaldehyde, resulting in the formation of molecules called N-phenylglycine. These molecules are then combined in a molten mixture with sodium and potassium amide, followed by oxidation with air and then sulfonation of the resulting indigotine under pressure. The resulting dye is then isolated and subjected to a purification procedure.
Indigo carmine, E132 – effect on the body, harm or benefit?
Does the synthetic dye indigo carmine harm our body? The food additive E132 is currently approved for use in the food industry in most countries of the world, but despite this, it is still prohibited in Norway. As it turned out, indigotine is poorly absorbed in the stomach. Currently, no reliable evidence of the toxicity of indigo carmine to the body has been found. But some researchers believe that the E132 additive still has a carcinogenic effect. Indigo carmine has also been linked to behavioral changes and hyperactivity in some people.
People prone to allergic reactions may experience skin sensitivity, hives-like skin rashes, itching, high blood pressure, and breathing problems when eating foods containing indigotine. Additive E132 is not recommended for consumption by children.
Indigo carmine solution is used to look for leaks during cystoscopy and ureteral catheterization. This solution is also used in kidney diagnostics. In this case, a mild rise in blood pressure may occur.
Food additive E132, indigotine – use in food products
As mentioned earlier, indigo carmine is a food coloring also called food additive E132. Indigo carmine is often added in the production of various drinks, sweets and other confectionery products, as well as oils and fats, when baking baked goods, during the production of instant cereals, fruit fillings for baked goods, as well as egg desserts and creams.
The E132 food additive is also found in store-bought puddings, sugar, snacks (potato and grain), frozen desserts, as well as all products containing gelatin, including tablets and capsules. Indigo carmine is often used as a pH indicator, in the form of a 0.2% aqueous solution. When the pH changes from 11 to 13, indigotine changes its color from dark blue to bright yellow.
Indigo carmine or indigotine is the name of the same substance, currently obtained through synthesis, although this dye has natural roots. Since ancient times, it has been extracted from certain plants of the Indigofera genus, which is widespread in Africa, America and India. Indigo was used to dye various fabrics blue. Artificial dye, first synthesized in the nineteenth century, began to win its place in the sun and soon completely replaced natural pigment from use. It is the synthetic substance that is very popular at present; no one has been extracting indigo carmine using a natural method for a long time. But the chemical dye indigotine has found its application in the food and textile industries, medicine and pharmaceuticals, cosmetology and other industries.
What is this synthetic additive? Does it bring benefit or harm to the human body? You can learn about this by reading the following suggested article.
Brief characteristics of food additive E132
The food additive E132 is called indigo carmine or indigotin. Synthetic name – disodium salt of indigo-5,5’-disulfonic acid. The substance has a molecular formula: C16H8N2Na2O8S.
This artificial dye resembles a powder in appearance, sometimes small crystals of a bright blue color. This substance is obtained by sulfonation of indigo, resulting in the formation of disodium salt of indigo-5,5'-disulfonic acid. To do this, formaldehyde and aniline initially react with each other, forming N-phenylglycine molecules. They are then fused with potassium and sodium amide, oxidized and sulfonated under pressure. Then the ready-made indigotine is isolated and subjected to thorough purification.
Its color varies from blue to yellow depending on the pH level. Indigo carmine dissolves very well in, coloring it a rich blue tint. Also, this substance is sensitive to light and completely unstable to its effects.
There is a natural source of this dye in nature, but despite this, it is the synthetic analogue that has become very popular in everyday life. This chemical is used in various areas of life to this day.
Useful and dangerous properties of indigo carmine
This dye, as a food additive, is approved for use and production in many countries of the world, with the exception of Norway. And this is even after it was established that indigo carmine causes certain harm to human health.
This synthetic dye is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Its use can lead to allergic reactions, manifested in the form of skin rash, urticaria, itching and burning, increased sensitivity of the skin, and arrhythmia.
In some cases, its use leads to increased blood pressure and problems with the respiratory system. It is often associated with increased activity and behavioral changes in some people.
It is not advisable to use this additive in food for children, pregnant and nursing mothers. Also, in case of improper production or violations of technology during the production of food products in which indigotine is present, some negative reactions appear in the body.
These include:
- severe nausea and vomiting;
- disturbance of heart rhythm and heart muscle function;
- severe attacks of breathlessness, especially in those who suffer from asthma;
- general weakness of the body.
Many sources talk about the carcinogenic properties of the food additive, but there is no scientific evidence for this.
In addition, it is known for certain that indigo carmine was used during studies on rats.
The animals were given about two grams of this substance per kilogram of body weight. This went on for quite a long period of time and the synthetic dye did not cause any mutations or negative effects. In the food industry, indigotine is used in much smaller quantities.
Application of synthetic dye indigo carmine
In fact, indigo carmine is a fairly popular and sought-after dye in many areas of industry.
It is indispensable in the food industry. Its effective coloring properties are used in the manufacture of baked goods and confectionery products. E132 dye is widely used in the production of soft drinks, most of which are packaged in glass. It is often used for tinting, where it is used both as an independent substance and in combination with other dyes. They are also dyed using indigo carmine.
This synthetic dye is in demand in the medical industry. With its help, it has become much easier to carry out diagnostic studies that help determine the excretory function of the kidneys.
In addition, it is used in industries such as:
- gynecology – for diagnosing fistulas;
- gastroenterology - to identify minor lesions of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract;
- vascular surgery – to diagnose lymphostasis;
- oncology – for chromoscopy;
- surgery - for staining fistula tracts.
This dye is indispensable for histological studies.
The E132 dye has found its place in the pharmaceutical industry, where it is used to color capsules or tablets to give them the desired shade.
E132 is also used for cosmetic purposes. It has proven itself especially well as one of the components included in hair rinses.
Indigo carmine is used in the chemical industry, where it is used as an acid-base and redox indicator, as well as a reagent.
It is used to produce ink and determine the presence of nitrates in an acidic environment.
However, in the textile sector it has lost its advantage due to the color instability of various fabrics. In addition, a large number of higher quality analogues have now appeared that have fairly stable staining properties.
Instead of conclusions
Indigotine or indigo carmine is a synthetically derived dark blue dye used in various industries, including food production, as a food additive E132. It is known for certain, but such a substance does not bring any benefit to the human body, but with negative consequences things are somewhat different. Some unpleasant reactions to taking this dye have been identified, especially when it was manufactured with violations of the technological process. But usually these reactions occur when large doses of the substance are consumed over a fairly long period of time. However, this food additive is considered safe and is approved at the state level in almost all countries of the world community.
Indigo carmine (food additive E132) is a blue salt that is highly soluble in water and has the properties of an acid-base indicator. This substance is obtained by sulfonation of indigo.
Indigo has been used since ancient times to dye fabrics blue and was extracted from certain plants of the genus Indigofera. At the end of the 19th century, indigo was synthesized for the first time, after which the rapid displacement of natural indigo by synthetic began. Now the main part of indigo and its derivatives is obtained by synthesis.
Depending on the acidity level, the E132 additive changes color from bright blue to yellow. It is highly sensitive to light and is unstable under its influence. Chemical formula of indigo carmine (dye E132): C 16 H 8 N 2 Na 2 O 8 S 2.
Effect on the body
Harm
If food production technology is violated, the E132 additive can cause heart problems and nausea. In addition, the E132 dye provokes asthma attacks in asthmatics and causes serious allergic reactions.
There is an opinion on the Internet that dye E132 is a carcinogen, but this is not confirmed by scientific research. When rats were fed indigo carmine in an amount of 2 g/kg body weight, no mutagenic changes were observed in the animals. In food production, dye E132 is used in significantly lower concentrations.
Benefit
Additive E132 is not characteristic of living organisms and there is currently no scientific data on the benefits of indigo carmine.
Usage
In the food industry, the E132 additive is used as a coloring agent in the production of soft drinks in glass bottles and ice cream. Dye E132 is added to food products in the manufacture of dry cookies, baked goods, confectionery and all kinds of sweets.
Other uses of indigo carmine:
- in pharmaceuticals, as a dye in the manufacture of some capsules and tablets;
- in the chemical industry, as a chemical indicator;
- in medical tests of kidney function, as a special dye;
- as one of the components in the production of hair rinse;
- used in the manufacture of ink;
- used for the colorimetric determination of nitrates in an acidic environment.
Legislation
Additive E132 is approved for use in food products in Russia, Ukraine, and most European countries.
Sodium indigo 5,5′-bisulfonate
Chemical properties
Initially, this substance was used as a dye; it was extracted from plants of the genus Indigofera. Indigo carmine was used to dye fabrics in different shades of blue. However, by the end of the 19th century, the product was obtained artificially, and since then synthetic dye has been used to its advantage.
The substance is obtained by sulfonation of the indigo , the result is disodium salt of indigo-5,5'-disulfonic acid .
Indigo carmine dye is a dark blue powder. The product is highly soluble in water.
Its molecular weight is 466.4 grams per mole.
The substance is often used as an acid-base indicator. It is used in the manufacture of ink and as a food additive. But this substance is of greatest importance in medicine. Used as a diagnostic tool in urology, gynecology, surgery, oncology, gastroenterology and vascular surgery.
pharmachologic effect
Diagnostic tool.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
Indigo carmine, after entering the body as a systemic agent or used topically, is not metabolized and does not undergo any chemical transformations. The substance stains all necessary tissues and organs well without causing disruption to their functioning. The drug is excreted unchanged in the urine. Absolutely harmless and safe to use.
Indications for use
The product is used:
- during studies of the excretory function of the kidneys, ureters and renal pelvis (carrying out chromocystoscopic test );
- for painting, nephrostomy and epithelial coccygeal ducts;
- for endoscopic diagnosis of fallopian tube patency and for diagnostics fistulas vagina and ureter;
- at chromoscopy in gastroenterology (detection and diagnosis of the smallest lesions of the digestive tract mucosa);
- to carry out accurate chromoscopy in oncology;
- in vascular surgery ( lymphography ).
Contraindications
Indigo carmine is not used if the patient has hypersensitivity reactions to this substance.
Side effects
With intravenous administration of Indigo Carmine, nausea and chills may develop. The medicine is usually well tolerated.
When applied topically, the substances rarely occur.
Instructions for use (Method and dosage)
Intravenous Indigo carmine is administered slowly. Before using the medicine, it should be warmed to room temperature. The average dosage for adults is 4-5 ml. Children are prescribed dosages 2 times less.
The drug is used intramuscularly less often. The recommended dosage for an adult is 20 ml.
It should be borne in mind that during normal kidney function, the drug begins to be released from the ureters 2-3 minutes after administration, and the urine turns blue. After 6-8 minutes, the maximum intensity of drug elimination can be observed. By the fifth minute, urine begins to return to its normal color. The dye is completely removed after 60-90 minutes. If a change in the color of urine is observed later than expected, the elimination of the drug occurs longer and less intensely, then this is a sign of impaired kidney function.
Intracavitary, local (in fistula tracts ) the medicine is administered in the form of a 0.4% solution. You can also dilute 5 ml of 0.4% solution in 0.4 l of 0.9% solution.
Overdose
There is no information about an overdose of the drug.
Interaction
Indigo carmine does not interact with other drugs.
Terms of sale
A prescription may be required.
special instructions
During diagnostic studies, it should be taken into account that delayed excretion of the drug by the kidneys may occur due to decompensation of heart failure, with reduced blood pressure and some other diseases.
Name: E132, indigotine, indigo carmine
Other names: English: E132, E-132, FD&C Blue 2E132, Indigo carmine, indigotine, E-132, German. Indigo-Karmin, Indigotine; fr. carmin d'indigo.
Group: food additive
Type: food coloring
Effect on the body: not considered dangerous, but it has a negative effect on the body
Approved in countries: EU, Ukraine, Russia
Description E132, indigotine, indigo carmine
Food supplement E132 or indigo carmine or indigotine is a dark blue powder that is of artificial origin. Receive E132 from phenylglycine and sodium amide. In food production, indigotine is used as a food coloring that, when mixed with other food colors, produces purple, brown, black and green colors. According to its physical and chemical properties E132 highly soluble in water, but unstable to light, changes color from bright blue to yellow depending on the acidity level, its chemical formula is C16H8N2Na2O8S2.
Precursor to indigo carmine ( E132) is an indigofera plant (Indigofera tinctoria). This plant grows in India, America, and Africa. Using an extract from the stems and leaves of the plant, they used to dye fabrics blue. The rapid pace of development of technical progress in the second half of the 19th century began the rapid displacement of this natural dye by replacing it with an artificial one.
Application of E132
As food coloring E132 used in the production of alcohol-free drinks, as well as some types of ice cream. Confectionery products such as baked goods or cookies can also be colored with indigo carmine. One way or another, quantity standards have been established E132 when added to any product in the amount of 0.5 g/kg of product. Hair rinses may also contain some E132 to give them color. Doctors can use E132 when studying kidney function, pharmacists use it to color tablets, both coated (capsules) and without it. It is also used for dyeing natural fabrics (wool, cotton, silk). E132. Added ink E132 do not lose their color consistently for a long time.
Effect of E132 on the human body
On the human body E132 acts negatively. Constant and uncontrolled use E132 with food eventually begins to manifest itself with attacks of nausea and dizziness. This dye also has a bad effect on the functioning of the respiratory system, causing a feeling of shortness of breath, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and asthma. With individual intolerance, allergic reactions occur. The opinion that is not confirmed is that E132 may be carcinogenic.
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