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The facts: Anthocyanins is not banned worldwide, but some health agencies have flagged concerns. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Anthocyanins on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. Commonly found in: Various natural/organic beverages, Annie's Fruit Snacks, Whole Foods 365 Products.
TL;DR: Anthocyanins is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | low |
| Where it shows up | Various natural/organic beverages, Annie's Fruit Snacks, Whole Foods 365 Products, Honest Tea, Various purple/red flavored products |
Anthocyanins are a class of water-soluble pigments found in red, blue, and purple fruits and vegetables (blueberries, red cabbage, elderberries, grapes, black beans). They are flavonoid compounds responsible for the red-to-blue color spectrum in plants. As a food additive (E163), they are extracted from plant sources including grape skins, elderberries, or black carrots.
Provide natural red, purple, and blue coloring in beverages, confectionery, and dairy products; also contribute antioxidant activity.
Anthocyanins are not only safe but are associated with numerous health benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects, extensively documented in nutritional epidemiology literature. The color is pH-sensitive (red in acid, blue/purple in neutral/alkaline), which can be a formulation challenge but presents no health risk. No significant adverse effects have been identified at food additive use levels.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Anthocyanins with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Anthocyanins is not currently banned worldwide, though some agencies have flagged concerns. See the sources below.
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
Commonly found in Various natural/organic beverages, Annie's Fruit Snacks, Whole Foods 365 Products, Honest Tea, Various purple/red flavored products. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins are themselves considered a preferred alternative to synthetic blue and purple dyes. Blue spirulina extract can supplement blue-range coloring. See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Anthocyanins or other ingredients restricted overseas.
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Audited products that don't contain Anthocyanins.
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