Curcumin (E 100)

Introduction:

Curcumin is the yellow to orange dye and active ingredient in the spice turmeric. It can be obtained naturally from the turmeric root or synthetically through bacterial fermentation. In the list of ingredients, curcumin bears the approval number E 100, but may also be listed as curcumin, curcumin, turmeric yellow or diferuloylmethane.

Use/Preparation:

Natural curcumin is used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine as a healing agent. However, it is mainly known as a spice that gives curry powder its characteristic colour, for example. In food production, it is approved as a colouring agent for certain products.

Health:

Curcumin is often used for digestive disorders. The turmeric is also said to have a cancer-fighting and chemopreventive effect. Curcumin is considered a safe additive, but according to the EFSA, 600 mg of the E100 dye (equivalent to 3 g of turmeric) per day should not be exceeded.

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Average nutritional values	per 100 g