International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 141
Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins aren't exactly medical substances themselves, but rather food additives derived from chlorophyll, a natural green pigment found in plants [1]. Here's a breakdown:
- Origin: These copper complexes are created by adding copper salts to chlorophyll extracted from plants or to chlorophyllin, a semi-synthetic derivative of chlorophyll [2].
- Use as Food Additives: The two main types are:
- Copper complexes of chlorophylls (E 141(i))
- Copper complexes of chlorophyllins (E 141(ii)) [1] These complexes are used as natural green food coloring agents in various products like candies, snacks, beverages, and sometimes even cooked vegetables [2].
- Limited Medical Relevance: While copper is an essential nutrient, these copper complexes aren't typically used for medicinal purposes. There's limited research on their potential health benefits or risks in humans [3].
Here are some additional points to consider:
- Safety: Regulatory bodies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have generally regarded these copper complexes as safe for consumption within set limitations [4]. However, some concerns exist around potential copper intake exceeding recommended levels, especially with high consumption of these additives [3].
- Alternatives: There are other natural and synthetic green food colorings available.